Taunton Mosque Vandalized in Apparent Hate Crime

Taunton Mosque Vandalized in Apparent Hate Crime
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An act of vandalism at the Taunton Central Mosque and Islamic Centre has been labeled a hate crime, causing “anger and sadness” within the local community. The incident, which occurred on September 6, 2025, involved several smashed windows.

According to the International Quran News Agency (IQNA), a 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage after he turned himself in. However, police are still searching for a second suspect and have appealed for public assistance, including any relevant CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage.

Sajjad Jabarkhel, a worker at the mosque, described the attack as deeply unsettling for worshippers and expressed a sense of “hurt and disappointment,” particularly for members of the congregation who consider Taunton their home. The local MP, Gideon Amos, also condemned the crime, calling the attackers “weak and cowardly” and promising that they would face the full weight of the law.