Woman charged for vandalizing Philadelphia Mosque, tearing Islamic holy books

A woman has been charged with institutional vandalism and desecration after allegedly tearing apart Islamic holy books and vandalizing a mosque in Philadelphia, local media reported.

Police were called to the Islamic Society of Greater Philadelphia on Roosevelt Boulevard on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, around 9:45 p.m. after the woman, 28-year-old Sarah Khatab, refused to leave Masjid Al-Furqan despite repeated requests.

Khatab also broke the front door window with a cane. She was arrested and charged with vandalism, trespass, desecration, and harassment. Her bail was set at $25,000, though court records do not list an attorney for her.