This video was scheduled to be released over the weekend, but was postponed due to the possibility of meeting to address my concerns. Unfortunately, that door has been closed again. Here are the series of events that have taken place.
1. Post-Swatting (days after February 3rd attack) — Approached Yaser Birjas to which he acknowledged speaking to the police but refused to disclose any information … in addition, saying “I will have nothing to do with this and I will not take any blame.”
2. June 26th — Met with Yaser Birjas to address the claim of the police saying the call originated from my house. Once again, he would not disclose who he spoke with at the police department.
3. September 10th — Received response back from VRIC Board of Directors regarding the request for information on who they spoke with at the police department and what exactly was conveyed to the VRIC security team. In essence, they refused to disclose any information and recommended to speak directly to the police. I did in fact speak with the police and they have no record of speaking to the imam or anyone from the masjid. They also never made any claim of the swatting call coming from my own home.
4. October 1st — Met with a brother, also a friend of mine, who is connected with the shuyūkh. He tried to arrange for a meeting to discuss this privately with Yaser and some masjid personnel involved with the matter. They cancelled on meeting with me due to my refusal to their “conditions” of providing me additional info related to my case. The condition was that I no longer mention Yaser in the public. It was also relayed that if they are providing me information, I should also agree to give/do something in return. I made it very clear that this is not a conditional meeting. After being wronged for 8 months now, having to deal with anxiety and humiliation every time I go to the masjid, it is my RIGHT (not privilege) to know where this false information about me originated and spread in the community. This is not a negotiation and to provide immunity from wrongdoings that one has been engaged in and issues that need to be addressed as a community.