A suspect has been charged with a federal hate crime after allegedly breaking into and destroying property at Rutgers University’s Center for Islamic Life. The incident occurred during Eid al-Fitr, the three-day Islamic religious celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Jacob Beacher, 24, was arrested and charged with one count of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities. Beacher, who is not affiliated with Rutgers University, broke into the Islamic center and damaged property, including religious artifacts and items containing holy language from the Qur’an.
The estimated damage is approximately $40,000, with Beacher being captured on video surveillance near the center. Evidence, including a donation box belonging to the center found at a nearby park and cell-site data placing Beacher at the park after the break-in, linked him to the crime.
Atiya Aftab, chair of the Islamic center, expressed relief at the suspect's arrest, stating that the community remains resolute in the face of such acts of terror. Rutgers University condemned the violence, emphasizing that acts of hatred and bigotry have no place in the community.
The incident follows a period of escalating tensions, including recent conflicts in the Middle East, which have led to increased attacks on Muslims and Arab Americans in the US. In 2023, the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported a 56% increase in complaints of anti-Muslim bias. Tragic incidents, such as the stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Chicago and the shooting of three Palestinian college students in Vermont, highlight the urgent need to address intolerance and promote understanding among diverse communities.
