Delaware County Sheriff Releases Racist Threat Voicemails Targeting His Muslim Faith
Maryam Tariq
Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara says he received two racist and Islamophobic voicemails over the weekend, threats serious enough that his office chose to release the recordings publicly rather than keep them private.
What the Voicemails Said
Kamara said the calls were left multiple times Saturday on the county’s sheriff civilian hotline. One caller used a racial slur, said “death to Islam,” and told Kamara he would hunt him down. Another message included a threat to attack him when he least expected it. Kamara learned about the calls Monday morning, which also happened to be his birthday.
Why the Office Released the Recordings
Kamara said releasing the voicemails was part of a commitment to transparency he campaigned on. He said he wasn’t looking for sympathy, but wanted Delaware County residents to understand the threats elected officials from marginalized communities regularly face. Despite the threats, Kamara said his resolve to serve has only strengthened, adding that his office will not be intimidated or distracted from its work.
Who Sheriff Kamara Is
Kamara made history in November 2025, becoming the youngest sheriff in the United States and the first person of Liberian descent, as well as the first Muslim, to hold the office in Delaware County. He was raised in Upper Darby after his family fled Liberia’s civil war, and later served six years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Kamara is also the cousin of Fanta Bility, an eight year old killed by a stray police bullet in 2021, an event that shaped his decision to pursue law enforcement reform.
The Investigation and Reaction
Delaware County detectives and the District Attorney’s Office are investigating the voicemails and working to identify the caller. The Delaware County Council condemned the threats, and CAIR Philadelphia called the incident part of a growing pattern of intimidation aimed at Black, immigrant and Muslim public officials nationwide.
Sources:
· Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara speaks out after receiving threatening voicemails — 6abc Philadelphia: https://6abc.com/post/delaware-county-sheriff-siddiq-kamara-speaks-receiving-threatening-voicemails/19546431/
· Investigation underway after Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara receives racist voicemail with threats — CBS News Philadelphia: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/siddiq-kamara-voicemail-racism-threats/
· Delco officials are investigating a racist voicemail threatening the county sheriff — The Philadelphia Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/crime/siddiq-kamara-delco-sheriff-racist-voicemail-20260720.html
