Police are investigating vandalism at an Islamic center at Rutgers University as a possible bias crime. The Center for Islamic Life shared photos on social media of damage resulting from a break-in Tuesday night during an event for Eid, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The photos showed shattered windows, smashed religious artwork, broken TVs and a torn Palestinian flag.
Gov. Phil Murphy and state Attorney General Matt Platkin confirmed a criminal investigation is underway and said there’s no tolerance for acts of hate against the Muslim community. Leaders at the center said the vandalism was fueled by Islamophobia.
The vandalism come as tensions are rising on the Rutgers campus over the war in Gaza — and calls from some student organizations for the university to divest its endowment from Israeli companies and to cut ties with Tel Aviv University.
