The Alabama chapter of a prominent Muslim civil rights organization has invited Sen. Tommy Tuberville to visit one of the state’s mosques following remarks he made to a conservative broadcaster.

The invitation followed Tuberville’s statement that Democrats considering moving to Alabama would not be welcomed if they intend to, “bring that Communist, Islamic atmosphere” with them.

Tuberville, Alabama’s senior senator and presumptive gubernatorial front-runner, made the remarks during an appearance on Benny Johnson’s podcast Wednesday. Johnson later posted on X, “Sen. Tuberville sends a fierce warning to Democrats fleeing Communist-run hellholes for red states like Alabama: ‘You’re not welcome here.’ ”

Britton Shields, staff attorney for the Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement that the group has invited Tuberville to visit an Alabama mosque and “engage” with his Muslim constituents.

“Although Senator Tuberville expressed fear about a so-called ‘Islamic atmosphere’ coming to Alabama, the truth is that American Muslims have been thriving in Alabama for decades, creating an atmosphere of fellowship, charity, and devotion to God,” she said.

In March, CAIR released a report that said Islamophobia was at an all-time high nationwide. The group’s offices received 8,658 complaints last year, up 7.4% over 2023.

In January 2024, CAIR called on law enforcement to investigate an emailed threat to shoot up and bomb a mosque in Mobile.

A Tuberville spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about whether the senator intended to accept CAIR’s offer.

Johnson was one of six right-wing influencers that Justice Department officials say were duped into spreading Russian propaganda during the 2024 election, according to a September indictment. That investigation, which did not allege wrongdoing by Johnson or the other influencers, is ongoing.