Phoenix mosque vandalism prompts request for FBI

[SargeUNN]

Source: Arizona Republic

A Phoenix Islamic organization is asking the FBI investigate the recent vandalism of a Phoenix mosque under construction.

The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations wants to bring national attention to the vandalism of the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix that occurred a few weeks ago, according to officials.


The vandalized mosque, near Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue, is being built across the street from the Islamic center's smaller, existing mosque and has not yet been used by the public, Usama Shami, the center's board chairman, said Wednesday.

Paint was spilled on the floor and several tall, arched glass windows were broken by what appeared to be gunshots, Shami said. There was also anti-Muslim graffiti.

Shami said the motivation for the vandalism could have been anything, but the current controversy sweeping the country regarding the planned mosque near Ground Zero and the upcoming anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has him concerned about a possible motive.

"It could be related to that or it could be a random act," Shami said. "We really don't know."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a news release that it is reasonable for the FBI to investigate the vandalism and the motives, because of the various anti-Muslim incidents across the country.



Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/09/08/20100908phoenix-mosque-vandalized-abrk.html#ixzz0yz8dZCQh

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/09/08/20100908phoenix-mosque-vandalized-abrk.html