Islamic center at Rutgers vandalized during Eid al-Fitr

Islamic center at Rutgers vandalized during Eid al-Fitr

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (PIX11) — An Islamic center at New Jersey’s Rutgers University was vandalized on the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Fitr, according to authorities who said they are investigating it as a hate crime.

The Rutgers University Police Department said in a statement the vandalism happened about 4:34 a.m. Wednesday at the center on the College Avenue campus.

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The site was unoccupied when the incident happened, according to police.

Damage included shattered windows, a broken TV, smashed art pieces, and the destruction of a Palestinian flag, according to the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU).

In a statement released on Wednesday, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, “New Jersey will not tolerate acts of hate against the Muslim community” and that his office will work with law enforcement to investigate the assault.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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