(PHILADELPHIA) — Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect seen vandalizing a mosque this weekend.
Security cameras caught the man spray-painting symbols and phrases including “Jesus Christ” on the walls and doors of Masjidullah – The Center for Human Excellence, according to the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The incident occurred at about 11:57 p.m. Friday and mosque officials reported the vandalism on Sunday, Philadelphia police said.
CAIR-Philadelphia President Mohammed Zubairu, who is also a member of Masjidullah, is urging police “to apprehend the perpetrator and to determine whether there was a bias motive for the incident.”
“All Americans should feel safe from harassment or intimidation at their houses of worship,” Zubairu said.
Leaders of Masjidullah, a local church and a local synagogue said in a joint statement that they’re “appalled and saddened” by the vandalism.
“We stand together once again in the face of bigotry and hate,” the leaders said.
“We pray for a time when peace and understanding will fill and encompass our entire Philadelphia region,” they said.
Philadelphia police ask anyone with information to call 215-686-3353.
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