Man faces federal hate crime charges for allegedly breaking into Rutgers Islamic Center during Eid
Federal prosecutors on Monday charged a man with hate crimes for allegedly breaking into and vandalizing the Center for Islamic Living at Rutgers University during Eid al-Fitr two weeks ago.
Jacob Beacher, 24, was arrested after investigators said they determined he broke into the campus center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on April 10 and vandalized several items, including rocks Turbah prayer and artwork with Quranic verses.
Beacher, who is not affiliated with the university, also allegedly stole a charity box and a Palestinian flag from the center, according to investigators.
The charity box was found four days later in a park near campus, the criminal complaint states.
Some Muslim members of the campus told New York’s WABC that they were shocked and horrified by the vandalism.
Broken vases, religious art and artifacts are visible in an office at the Center for Islamic Living at Rutgers University following a burglary.
Center for Islamic Living at Rutgers University (CILRU)
“It’s so disheartening and scary because it just reinforces the fact that we’re not safe here,” Nehad Ali told WABC a day after the incident.
The FBI used surveillance footage and cell phone data to determine Beacher was a suspect, according to the criminal complaint.
When investigators interviewed Beacher on April 12, he admitted he was in the area of the center during the incident, but denied breaking in, according to the complaint.
Beacher was awaiting arraignment in Newark federal court on one count of intentionally obstructing or attempting religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities, according to federal prosecutors.
Charges against Beacher are also pending, according to investigators. Information from the suspect’s attorney was not immediately available.
The center has received donations to help replace damaged items, according to its administrators.
Broken lanterns, religious art and artifacts are visible on the floor of the Center for Islamic Living at Rutgers University following a break-in.
Center for Islamic Living at Rutgers University (CILRU)
“We are humbled by the incredible and generous outpouring from the Rutgers community and the community at large,” the center said in a statement posted Monday on its Facebook page.
Center administrators thanked law enforcement for their work and warned of a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bigotry.
“This incident did not occur in a vacuum. We condemn those who fuel lies and hatred on our campus and those who engage in double standards that led to this and other violence of hatred and intolerance on our campus and in particular against our students,” the center said in its statement.
ABC News
