Superior Mayor Who Called Obama A Muslim Visits Mosque

Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen shared a dinner with members of the Muslim community this weekend after protests that followed the mayor’s controversial Facebook comment calling President Barack Obama a Muslim.

Members of the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports served Asian dishes like chickpea potato curry for the roughly 100 who attended the potluck dinner at a mosque on Saturday.

Hagen drew protests and calls for his resignation last month after he posted on Facebook that Obama is a Muslim who has “destroyed the fabric of democracy.”

Center President Ibrahim Al-Qudah said the gathering aimed to build bridges within the community.

“Regardless of what we see happen or somebody made remarks, that doesn’t represent us truly. This is what represents us,” he said.

Center board member Naeem Chaudhry said Muslims are misunderstood because of the radical actions of a few.

“The faith does not tell you to do all those things. Those minor fraction is misunderstood by the majority of people as Islam and Muslims,” Chaudhry said.

Hagen apologized in a letter Friday to the Muslim community, saying it was a “poor choice of words.” He said he’s humbled.

“This has been a very gracious outreach. Very heart-warming, a lot of great conversation. The food was phenomenal,” he said.

Superior City Councilor Warren Bender said he thinks a recall election or censure is unlikely.

“When people can get together and break bread and discuss how they’re alike, I think it makes a big difference,” he said.

The mayor said he welcomes a recall election — which some are calling for — and hopes he can regain the community’s trust.

A Justice City Coalition spokeswoman said protests of the mayor’s comment will continue, saying the dinner is a step but not a resolution.