LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A long-standing tradition between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the local Muslim community continued on Tuesday with a special meal.

The police department opened its doors for a significant event in the Muslim faith known as Laylat ul-Qadar (Night of Power).

Community members gathered to pray, break their fast, and share a meal with officers inside the LVMPD headquarters.

“Being able to come together as a community to celebrate with a unique part of the community, it’s a very special evening for all of us,” Las Vegas Metro Police Department Captain Dave Sims said.

The tradition began several years ago after an attack on a mosque in Texas. Officers with the department reached out to the Muslim community to offer support and reassurance. The friendship then led to the idea of opening the police headquarters for Night of Power.

“It started with very humble beginnings. The first time it was hosted out of Summerlin area command during the year of COVID, so we had approximately 30 participants,” Capt. Sims explained. “It has continued to grow and gain a lot of interest from the entire community.”

Elected officials, community leaders, and other faith leaders were also invited to attend. The event is now the largest interfaith event in the history of Southern Nevada hosted by a police department.

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