(SAN DIEGO, CA – 10/12/2023) – The San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California chapter has called for an investigation into a recent vandalism incident at a Mosque in San Diego, CA.
A surveillance video from the Islamic Center of San Diego captured two suspects scouting the area of the Islamic Center before returning to paste flyers on all the trees located on mosque property.
Later, 50-60 flyers were discovered pasted on the trees and blue rags (resembling the flag of Israel) were found tied on the mosque’s fence.
In a statement, CAIR-SD Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said:
“We are extremely alarmed by these actions. These actions create a sense of fear and concern amongst mosque attendees and the neighboring community. Parents bringing their kids to the Islamic School attached to the mosque are fearful. Our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve to feel safe and welcome in their places of worship. Especially at a time of heightened sensitivity, an action like this sends a clear message of instilling hate and fear.”
CAIR-SD is calling on the San Diego Police Department to continue investigating this incident as a possible hate crime. Standing in solidarity with the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) and the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego (MLCSD), we hope for the urgent apprehension of the suspects. We encourage all mosques and organizations in San Diego to be vigilant and immediately report any possible suspicions or incidents to local authorities.
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-SD’s office at (858) 278-4547 or click here to file a report.
CAIR-CA is California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SD Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626 or tnizam@cair.com