Feisal Abdul Rauf Avoiding New York City Due to Security Concerns

Photo: Hasan Jamali/AFP/Getty Images

The imam behind the proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero is “largely avoiding New York City” because of concerns about security. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is receiving protection from the NYPD, according to sources, and he is currently staying in an “undisclosed location.” "There's just a lot of crazies and that's why he has police protection from the NYPD," Reverend James Parks Morton, Rauf’s friend, said Monday. The New York field office would not comment when asked whether the FBI was investigating specific threats against Rauf. [CNN]