Norfolk police are looking into a vandalism case at a local mosque that occurred on Sunday, December 7, around 9:20 p.m.
Officers responded after receiving a report that the Masjid Ash-Shura at 3518 Colley Avenue had been damaged with spray paint. According to CAIR, the vandalism included crosses spray-painted on the outside of the building.
Police identified a man they believe is responsible through surveillance footage. They described him as a middle-aged white man with “shaggy hair” and a beard, wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans during the incident.
In a statement, CAIR — the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization — urged local, state, and national law enforcement to investigate the vandalism as a hate crime.
“Such acts of apparently bias-motivated vandalism targeting a place of worship are meant to intimidate and instill fear, not just in the local Muslim community but in all communities that value religious freedom,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge law enforcement at every level to treat this incident with the seriousness it deserves and to investigate it as a possible hate crime.”
CAIR also encouraged Muslim community leaders to review its Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety booklet, which offers guidance on protecting houses of worship — advice applicable to all faith communities.
Authorities have not released specifics about what was spray-painted on the property.
Police say the investigation remains active as officers continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.
Anyone with information that could help detectives — including details about the man seen on camera — is urged to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Callers can stay anonymous, and tips leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward.
Police will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Leave a Reply