Man who vandalized Islamic Center at Rutgers sentenced

A judge in New Jersey Tuesday sentenced a man who pled guilty to a federal hate crime to six months in prison, reports News12.

As we reported in October, Jacob Beacher admitted to the destructive break-in at the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University last year on EID, an Islamic holiday signifying the end of Ramadan.

District Court Judge Robert Kirsch also ordered him to pay $19,345 in restitution. The FBI says Beacher vandalized numerous religious items including prayer stones and several containing passages from the Qur’an, according to My Central Jersey.

Authorities also say he stole a charity box and a Palestinian flag.

In a statement, CAIR New Jersey commended the work of law enforcement in this case, but also emphasized the damage is deeper than just physical.

“While the sentence brings a degree of accountability, it is important to remember that the impact of this attack extends far beyond the physical damage to property. The fear and trauma caused by such acts of hate cannot be easily measured, and the damage to the sense of safety within our community is not something that can be repaired overnight,” CAIR New Jersey said in a statement.

Beacher’s attorney told NJ.com called the situation a sad one.

“He has struggled with mental health and made an impulsive decision,” said his attorney Jonathan F. Marshall.

Marshall said his client has already paid full restitution.