Update – April 28, 2021

“We thank law enforcement for their swift investigation and the local woman who provided the crucial tip leading to the arrest of the suspect. We are also pleased to hear that investigators are recommending serious charges, including a potential hate crime penalty enhancement.”

April 26, 2021

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) condemns the Islamophobic vandalization at the Moorhead Fargo Islamic Center during this holy month of Ramadan. The hateful messages ‘Death to Islam’ and ‘Can’t Vote,’ and a swastika were painted at the main entrance.

“We extend our support to the mosque and the Fargo Moorhead Muslim community. All communities should feel safe gathering in their sacred spaces. We are pleased to see an outpouring of financial support for the mosque in its effort to repair the physical damage to its property and enhance its security going forward.

“We thank local law enforcement and the FBI for investigating this hate crime and encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact law enforcement.

“The JCRC is proud to be a member of the Communities Combating Hate coalition advocating for policy change to improve the reporting of and response to hate crimes.”