On Monday, May 12, ICSC released a statement reporting a “disturbing act of vandalism” on the exterior wall of the mosque and nearby trees. The graffiti included what the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified as potentially hate-motivated symbols.
LAPD’s Major Crimes Division said it has launched a hate crime investigation into the incident.
“ICSC is a beacon of faith and service in our community, and this hateful act of vandalism is not just an attack on a house of faith, it is an assault on the values of diversity and tolerance. Amidst rising anti-Muslim rhetoric across the country, this disturbing attempt to intimidate and marginalize our community is deeply concerning. Hate and bigotry, against any group regardless of faith or background, cannot go unchecked. We welcome the LAPD’s prompt response in investigating this incident as a hate crime”.
ICSC announced that it, along with the LAPD and local civic leaders, will host a press conference to update the community about the incident on Friday, May 16.
Source: CAIR
