Eid-ul-Fitr: Islamic center at Rutgers University vandalized. Was it a hate crime? Know in detail

In an incident that may be defined as a hate crime, an Islamic center at New Jersey's Rutgers University was vandalized on the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr. Confirming the attack, authorities said they are investigating it as a hate crime. 'The New York Post' has reported that a video posted online by the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) shows glass shards scattered on the floor. It also shows damage to televisions, printers and artwork with Quranic verses.

Authorities have said a building at the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University had its windows shattered, artwork smashed, TVs and printers broken as well as a Palestinian flag destroyed.

"Targeting Muslims"

CAIR Chairwoman, Atiya Aftab, said in a statement, "This reprehensible act, occurring on our sacred day, is undoubtedly fueled by Islamophobia, is a hate crime targeting our Muslim population at Rutgers."

Probe launched

The Rutgers University Police Department said in a statement that it has launched a probe into a burglary, criminal mischief and bias crime that it happened Wednesday morning at the center in New Brunswick.

Attorney General calls it "appalling"

Calling the act of vandalism "appalling", New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said his office is investigating the incident along with other officials. He added that his office was working with the Rutgers police, the New Jersey State Police, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Division of Criminal Justice and the Division on Civil Rights to investigate the matter.

He said in a statement, "Let me be clear: New Jersey will not tolerate acts of hate against the Muslim community."

Anti-Israel demonstration

Days before the attack, anti-Israel protestors interrupted a town hall at the university last week and President Jonathan Holloway had to end the session early.

Rutgers University Student Assembly hosted the town hall. It also put for a vote the referendum for BDS – boycott, divest and sanction on severing ties with Tel Aviv University.

FAQs:

What happened at the Islamic Center of Rutgers University?
An Islamic center at New Jersey's Rutgers University was vandalized on the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr.

What did the Rutgers University Police say?
The Rutgers University Police Department said in a statement that it has launched a probe into a burglary, criminal mischief and bias crime that it happened Wednesday morning at the center in New Brunswick.