Islamic leaders are calling a recent act of vandalism at a Dayton Mosque a hate crime. They’re asking local and federal officials to investigate it as such. April Laissle of member station WYSO in Yellow Springs reports.
A white man was captured on video throwing rocks through windows at the Al-Rahman Mosque last Thursday. Officials say the man circled the Mosque several times and pointed a gun at surveillance cameras. The incident occurred around 6 a.m., a traditional Muslim prayer time.
Karen Dabdoub is with the Cincinnati chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. She says it’s clear the attacker specifically targeted Muslims.
“This was a planned attack. He was very systematic about it. It does not look at all like just some kids throwing rocks.”
In a statement, an FBI spokesperson said the agency is aware of the incident, and is in contact with the Dayton Police Department. He also said if local authorities find evidence of civil rights violations, the FBI is prepared to investigate.
A spokesperson for the Dayton Police Department confirmed officers are investigating the matter, but declined to comment further.
