The Islamic Center of Twin Falls on Saturday condemned the actions of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan that left 13 dead and 38 injured at Fort Hood, Texas.

Hasan, an American-born Muslim, shot a total of 51 people. Most were Army personnel preparing for deployment.

"Members of the Islamic Center of Twin Falls join fellow Americans in condemning the attack on soldiers at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas," the Islamic Center said in a prepared statement. "We share the grief and sorrow of the nation. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy."

The statement also said local Muslims are distressed to learn that the alleged killer was an American Muslim and a mental health professional serving in the Army.

"He has marred the reputation of tens of thousands of Muslim physicians, nurses and other health professionals who help save the lives of fellow Americans daily," the statement read.

Imad Eujayl, a spokesman for the center, told the Times-News Saturday: "Muslims are very peaceful people. We preach peace."

The Islamic Center has been open in the area for about three years and has between 50 and 75 members.

The group has a small house on Addison Avenue, and plans to build a new building at the site.

"We are saddened and distance ourselves as Muslims from the behavior of the killer. He is a killer. We do not agree with the things that he said," said Eujayl, who emigrated from Sudan 12 years ago and is a United States citizen.

"This is against our religion. We are part of the American population. We respect and support our military."

John Plestina may be reached at jplestina@magicvalley.com or 208-358-7062.