LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The Los Angeles Police Department Wednesday was investigating vandalism at the Islamic Center of Southern California as a potential hate crime.
The religious center, located at 434 S. Vermont Ave., was targeted with graffiti sometime between 5:45 a.m. and noon Sunday, an LAPD officer told City News Service.
Vandals defaced an exterior wall at the center as well as several nearby trees with drawings of religious symbols, the department said.
“We are grateful to LAPD for their swift and serious response, and we remain in close communication with city officials as this investigation continues,” the center said in a statement Tuesday.
Officials at the center said they’re planning to hold a news conference about the crime Friday morning with the LAPD and local civic leaders.
“As a house of worship, the Islamic Center of Southern California has always strived to be a space of refuge, dignity, and community for all Angelenos. We are deeply saddened by this act, but not deterred,” the statement continued.
” … To our daily congregants, families, students, and visitors — your safety and peace of mind are paramount. We understand that incidents like this may cause concern, fear, or even strong emotions such as anger or grief, especially for those who come to ICSC for prayer, learning, or a sense of belonging. … Please know that enhanced safety measures are in place, and we are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that our campus remains a secure and welcoming space for all.”
Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the crime as “not just an attack on a house of faith,” but also 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,” Ayloush said. “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.”
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