Muslim group seeks to probe bias in 2 incidents of mosque vandalism
PORTALES, New Mexico – An American Muslim rights group has called on law enforcement to investigate possible bias in two incidents targeting a mosque in Portales, New Mexico.
In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the attacks and called on local police to increase patrols.
CAIR urged the local Muslim community and Islamic institutions to take additional security precautions.
“We condemn these attacks on a house of worship and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Portales. Based on the actions of the vandals, we call on law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for these crimes,” said the statement.
Vandals reportedly broke into a mosque in Portales last week.
They tore out copies of the Quran, poked holes in the walls, destroyed furniture, left trash, and placed a framed image of Jesus Christ on a pile of rubble. The incident occurred twice, on June 23 and then again on June 27.
According to community members, a bottle of alcohol left behind was also found in the trash.
Police are investigating but have not classified the case as a hate crime.
Last year, a report from CAIR documented more than 6,720 cases of discrimination and hatred against Muslims across the country.
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