Two mosques in Hawthorne, Calif., were vandalized over the weekend by people who spray-painted the word “Jesus” on the two properties.
According to police in Hawthorne, both incidents are being classified as hate crimes, and the FBI is investigating whether federal civil rights were violated. Hawthorne is about an hour west of San Bernardino, whereauthorities are investigating a shooting rampage that killed 14 people as an act of terrorism.
Local police responded to a call about vandalism and a possible explosive device in front of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus-Salaam Mosque early Sunday morning. Officers evacuated the area after they found what looked like a grenade, though it turned out to be a fake plastic grenade, and also found “Jesus” spray-painted across the mosque’s fence.
Later on Sunday, the Islamic Center of Hawthorne was found with “Jesus is the Way” spray-painted on the front of the building.
Hawthorne police believe both crimes took place over night.
“Investigators will work to identify the person or group responsible, the motivation and whether religious bias was a factor,” the FBI said. “All evidence will be reviewed by state and federal prosecutors to determine whether a violation under federal civil rights statutes occurred. The FBI is committed to ensure law-abiding citizens are protected and to deter those who would threaten them.”
According to Hawthorne police, since the San Bernardino attack, they have been communicating more often and more closely with local Islamic centers.
“The department will continue to closely support our faith-based partners and work to assure the safety of its members,” Hawthorne police said.
(h/t CNN)
