Hate Crimes Unit investigating graffiti at Islamic center construction site in Shirley
Police said a 911 caller reported the graffiti, which was found on a banner at the site, at approximately 3:45 p.m. Saturday.
More Stories
A banner at the construction site of a new mosque in Shirley was vandalized with graffiti targeting Islam, prompting a hate-crimes investigation.
Suffolk County police say the graffiti was reported around 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the site of the Islamic Center of Mastic-Shirley.
The offensive message contained strong language targeting Islam.
“It was extremely disturbing. A house of worship should be one of the safest places for a person to go,” said Raza Dastgir, co-founder of Muslims of Long Island.
The incident is raising additional concern because of a similar case in Deer Park in April, when anti-Islam vandalism was found on multiple stop signs.
Community members say the vandalism is alarming but will not stop them from practicing their faith.
“Regardless of your personal beliefs, you should never be subject to being threatened or intimidated due to your religion,” said Hassen Ahmed, co-chair of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Anti-Bias Board.
Muhammed Ajmal of Bay Shore said incidents targeting a religious community are troubling.
“Whenever we see something like that, any derogatory actions, any anti-peace actions, it is alarming to us,” Ajmal said. “We are blessed being here in the United States. We have every freedom. If you can contribute to peace and love and kindness, we would appreciate that."
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine also condemned the incident, saying, “Hate has no home in Suffolk County.”
Dastgir said the vandalism will not intimidate Muslims from worshipping.
“An attack like this is not going make us afraid of praying at our houses of worship,” he said.
