New Jersey: Man Faces Vandalism Charges after Painting Graffiti at Mosque
Julian B. Dale, 29, has been charged with fourth-degree bias intimidation, an indictable offense, and a disorderly persons count of criminal mischief in connection with the July 19 incident.
According to Mitzak, Dale was seen driving a black Honda Civic at about 6:34 p.m. July 19 onto the property of the mosque, parking near the entrance of the mosque, then leaving a short time later.
At about 7 p.m., an employee of the mosque found bias graffiti on a pillar near the main entrance, according to police.
Dale was arrested on July 22.
According to the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the graffiti contained a derogatory and anti-Muslim remark against Islam’s Prophet Mohammed.
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“Far too often mosques and Islamic centers throughout New Jersey and beyond are subjected to hateful acts such as this at Al Falah Center,"CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said in a press release. "Al Falah Center is the heartbeat of the Bridgewater Muslim community. Witnessing such a vile message on the house of worship is unsettling and alarming to the many Muslims who seek the masjid for spiritual growth and community. "
CAIR-NJ said it "welcomed" the arrest.
"Al Falah Center was deeply shocked to discover the anti-Muslim graffiti following Friday prayer, a weekly ritual that draws dozens of Muslims in the Bridgewater community. The hateful message should be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be served in accordance with the law," the Al Falah Center said a statement released through CAIR-NJ. “Despite the hateful act against our community, we invite the perpetrator for a proper visit at Al Falah Center for an open dialogue about Islam and Muslims. Al Falah Center’s doors will remain open to welcome anyone curious to learn about our Islamic faith and values.”
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From Jan. 1 to June 30, CAIR-NJ has received 186 complaints of bias incidents putting the chapter on pace to surpass last year’s total of 304 reports.
"Hateful, divisive actions such as this are damaging to our community, and antithetical to our shared identity as Americans," Mayor Matt Moench said in a statement. "I am confident that I speak on behalf of all Bridgewater residents when I say that we stand in solidarity with our al-Falah community in unequivocal rejection of this egregious behavior, as well as the ignorance and prejudice which fueled it."
Source: mycentraljersey.com
