Man arrested in hate crime charge targeting Rutgers Islamic Center
A man has been arrested on a hate crime charge at Rutgers University’s Center for Islamic Life in New Jersey during Eid al-Fitr last year.
Jacob Beacher was charged with obstructing religious practice and lying to federal agents.
He is accused of breaking into the Islamic center early last April 10, damaging sacred items, including prayer stones and Quran-inscribed objects.
He is also accused of stealing a Palestinian flag and a donation box.
The estimated damage is approximately $40,000.
Beacher, who is not linked to Rutgers, was caught on surveillance committing the crimes.
His phone was later tracked near where the stolen donation box was found.
The break-in came amid rising tensions over Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Rutgers University strongly condemned the attack, saying hatred and violence have no place on campus.
Atiya Aftab, chair of the center, called it an “act of terror” but said it would not break the community’s spirit.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
