LA mosque vandalized again, prompting LAPD probe as hate crime

A mosque in Los Angeles’ Koreatown was vandalized again, with police now investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, Fox 11 reported. On Saturday, May 10, surveillance footage captured a man spray-painting graffiti on the Islamic Center of Southern California’s wall, tree, and fence. The graffiti included the word “God,” the Star of David, and symbols and names of several Japanese companies. Mosque officials believe the messages reference Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This is not the first time the mosque has been targeted. In April 2023, a similar act of vandalism occurred with anti-Muslim messages sprayed on the building, though no arrests have been reported in connection with that incident.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the latest vandalism as a hate crime, though it is still working to understand the full meaning behind all the graffiti. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

Hate crimes in Los Angeles County surged by over 40% in 2023, reaching record levels since data tracking began in 1980. Most hate crimes were motivated by race, ethnicity, or national origin, with religion-based crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities also rising sharply.

Religious leaders from different communities gathered at the mosque to condemn the attack and express solidarity. UCLA professor David Myers highlighted the connection between Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, stressing the importance of unity against hate. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said charges will depend on the investigation’s outcome and suspect identification.