CAIR-MN calls for hate crime investigation following vandalism at future Muslim center

A local Muslim advocacy group has called for a hate crimes investigation following numerous incidents of vandalism at a new Islamic center in St. Anthony.

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations on Wednesday called on law enforcement to investigate a possible biased background to a series of vandalism attacks at the Tibyan Center.

The group said the center has been the target of seven separate vandalism and burglary incidents over the past two months, causing massive damage totaling over $20,000.

According to CAIR-MN, the Tibyan Center has been targeted since it announced plans to open a youth center and mosque in May.

St. Anthony Police detailed the various incidents that have occurred at this location over the past few months:

• On May 22, pry marks were discovered on the building’s exterior door. Officers checked inside and found that a fire extinguisher had been ejected and a Clorox liquid toilet cleaner had been sprayed on the floor near a toilet.
• On June 15, an employee found a broken window, but authorities found no evidence of a break-in.
• On both June 27 and June 29, an employee reported that a group of juveniles entered the building through the front door using a key or lock pick. Video showed the juveniles running around, filming with their cell phones and spraying Lysol.
• On July 7, four men approached the front door, one of them pulling on the door with force. After seeing an employee inside the house, the men drove away in a vehicle.
• On July 16, an employee saw two men in the building on surveillance video; however, they left the building before police arrived. Officers reviewed the video and saw two men damage the door lock with a crowbar and enter the building. There was also a broken window, according to police.

Law enforcement authorities said all five incidents are currently under investigation.

CAIR-MN also stated that there was an incident on May 29 in which the building was broken into, fire extinguishers were sprayed, and computers and other items were stolen. They also reported additional break-ins on June 30 and July 2.

The group is calling on both local authorities and the FBI to investigate the attacks and identify those responsible.

“CAIR-Minnesota is deeply concerned about these repeated attacks, especially given the increasing number of attacks on mosques and centers in Minnesota,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN. “These attacks have shaken our community, and many members who had been excited about the opportunity presented by the new center now feel fearful and vulnerable. We believe these attacks may be part of a broader effort to intimidate and harm Muslim communities, and we ask for law enforcement and the community’s help in apprehending these attackers.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism incidents should contact CAIR-MN, local law enforcement or the St. Anthony Police Department at 612-782-3350.