The killings come at a time when Muslims in the United State have been the focus of efforts to stop mosque construction, enact targeted anti-Sharia state laws (which are already redundant under the First Amendment), and negatively stereotype Muslims in social discourse.

The anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States isn't just rising, it's really high. An unwillingness and indifference on the part of individuals and institutions to put it in check is a large part of the problem.