Federal Hate Crime Charges Filed for Vandalism at Rutgers Islamic Center During Eid
According to federal prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 10 at the university's New Brunswick, New Jersey campus.
Jacob Beacher, who has no affiliation with Rutgers, is accused of breaking into the center and damaging various items, including Turbah prayer stones and artworks featuring Quranic verses.
He is also suspected of stealing a charity box and a Palestinian flag from the premises. The charity box was later recovered in a nearby park.
Members of the Muslim community at Rutgers expressed their distress to WABC, a New York ABC station. "It's so disheartening and scary because it just solidifies the fact that we aren't safe here," said Nehad Ali in the aftermath of the break-in.
The FBI identified Beacher as a suspect using surveillance footage and cellphone data. During an interview on April 12, Beacher acknowledged his presence near the center at the time but denied any involvement in the break-in.
Beacher is currently awaiting arraignment in Newark federal court, facing charges of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and making false statements to federal authorities. Additional state charges are pending.
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In response to the incident, the Center for Islamic Life received community donations to repair the damage. "We are humbled by the amazing and generous outpouring from the Rutgers community and the community at large," the center's administrators stated on Facebook.
The administrators also expressed gratitude towards law enforcement and highlighted the concerning rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian sentiment. "This incident did not occur in a vacuum. We condemn those that are stoking lies and hate on our campus and those who are engaging in doublespeak that have led to this violence, other acts of hate and bigotry on our campus and in particular against our students," the center's statement read.
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also released a statement on Monday, pointing to an uptick in anti-Muslim bigotry across college campuses.
“Muslim, Palestinian, and allied students across college campuses are facing an upsurge in bigoted attacks, especially as they advocate for Palestinian liberation, said CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed.
“The vandalization of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, which had a Palestinian flag displayed, is an example of such bigoted violence,” she said, urging university administrators to “act with urgency to protect Muslim, Palestinian, and allied students.”
Source: Agencies
