HomeAsian AmericansMosque in Koreatown vandalized, CAIR-LA welcomes hate crime investigation

Mosque in Koreatown vandalized, CAIR-LA welcomes hate crime investigation

A hate crime investigation is underway after a mosque in Los Angeles’ Koreatown was vandalized on Sunday during Ramadan, CBS News reports. Authorities are searching for the suspect.

Surveillance cameras caught the suspect defacing the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) at 434 Vermont Avenue with anti-Islamic words around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities say the suspect is a 5 foot 9 man in his 40s, weighing around 180 pounds. He was wearing a black beanie hate, black jacket, a black short, black pants and black shoes

According to NBC Los Angeles, the ISCS is one of the area’s largest mosques. Many Muslims have been coming to the mosque over the past few weeks as they observe Ramadan.

“We call on all members of the community to stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this difficult time. Let us come together to support one another and condemn this senseless act of hate,” the ICSC said in a statement, according to NBC Los Angeles.

Los Angles mayor Karen Bass released a statement, offering support to the Muslim community.

“What happened over the weekend at the Islamic Center of Southern California is an unacceptable act of intolerance that has no place in our city or our country,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a tweet, according to CBS News. “Los Angeles will always stand against hate and bigotry, no matter what.”

The Los Angeles Police Department says it is conducting a hate crime investigation. The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) says it welcomes the investigation.

“During this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims attend their local mosques for a chance to connect with their community, break their fasts, and complete their nightly prayers. Widespread Islamophobia and bigotry continue to put communities of faith at risk, preventing us from feeling safe in our neighborhoods, on public transit, and even in our place of worship. Now, more than ever, we must come together to foster inclusivity, promote mutual understanding, and protect our places of worship,” CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said in a press release.

“We thank the LAPD for its swift response in initiating a hate crime investigation. We stand with the community of ICSC and look forward to the LAPD apprehending those responsible for this apparent hate crime,” Ayloush added.  

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