Local Muslim Says Family Lives In Fear After Mass Shootings

BOSTON (CBS) - "My first thought is, I hope it's not a Muslim involved, you know."

Dr. Malik Khan says that is usually his reaction when he sees media reports on mass shootings. The president of the Islamic Center of Wayland told WBZ that it is a fear he and his family have dealt with since the September 11th terrorist attacks.

"I feel unhappy, because I want to try and fix it, you know?" Khan said.

Khan explained that his teenage son was the target of anti-Muslim rhetoric after 9/11.

"He said they came over to me and they used a four letter word and they said 'what did you do in New York the other day.' I didn't do anything in New York the other day. So why am I being blamed for it?"

But, the father three says, he consulted with friends and had an honest conversation with the boy.

"This is a handful of people. There are good people and bad people in all communities," Khan said.

More importantly, Khan says he uses examples of goodwill to teach his children including an incident in 2010 where a dozen members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested outside the Islamic Center. 40 Wayland students held a counter protest holding signs with messages of love.

"It's such a touching story. And, that's what gives you strength," Khan said, "We live in a very fortunate place. The rest of the world is not like this."