Chicago's Muslim leaders believe Orlando shooting was more influenced by mental illness than ISIS

Image 1 of 2

The Orlando gunman is an American born Muslim who became radicalized.

Leaders of Chicago’s Muslim community say they are outraged by the murder spree, and also upset by the response from presidential candidate Donald Trump.

"I was totally shocked and truly saddened."

"Total shock and disbelief. Sadness and anger."

"It was a terrible tragic happening."

There are words of pain and frustration from leaders of Chicago’s Muslim community, who say the hate-fueled attack on an Orlando gay nightclub in no way represents their faith.

"We reached out to the LGTB community leaders here in the Chicago area (snip) and sent out message of condolences to them and our message of support to them,” said Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.

"Ironically LGBT leaders and members of that community have been the first to stand up and say 'we will not take the bait.' This individual was mentally unstable. He did not represent his religion,” said Ahmed Rehab, the executive director of CAIR Chicago.

This is the middle of the month of Ramadan, and many Chicago area mosques are stepping up security in response to the Florida attacks.

Muslim leaders say on Sunday that someone sent threatening emails to the Islamic centers of Naperville and Wheaton.

"And when we get angry, we will show you what we can do. That's the kind of letter that has been sent. I was very quick to forward this to the FBI,” Kaiseruddin said.

They’re also concerned about political attacks.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump doubled down on his plan to ban Muslims from entering the country.

"He's a charlatan who is not interested in the interests of America, the fabric of America and the values or ideas of America. He's someone who is self serving and willing to throw the whole thing under the bus, hell or high water, for his own personal gain. He's no different than ISIS as far as I'm concerned,” Rehab said.

As for the threat of young Muslims born in the US becoming radicalized, Mosque Foundation President Oussama Jammal had something to say.

"Obviously it is as tough for us as it is for the federal government to monitor everything. And we are doing all kinds of education,” he said.

But Jammal and other Muslim leaders say they believe the Orlando attack was more influenced by mental illness than ISIS.