Authorities are looking for a man suspected of writing anti-Islamic hate speech at the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) building in Koreatown.
The alleged hate crime occurred around 12:40 a.m. Sunday at 434 S. Vermont Ave., according to a community alert with a surveillance photo posted to the LAPD headquarters Twitter page.
“The suspect used a permanent marker to write anti-Islamic hate speech on the property of a religious center and fled north on Vermont Avenue,” the statement said.
Victims increased by 23% between 2020 and 2021
The suspect was described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, 5 feet 9 inches, 180 pounds, dressed entirely in black, including a hat, jacket, shirt of unknown design, pants and shoes.
The Islamic Center of Southern California responded with its own statement on social media.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed to report that a hate crime against the Muslim community at the Islamic Center of Southern California occurred this Easter Sunday morning in Los Angeles. It is an act of vandalism appalling attack directed at the center where innocent people gather for their daily religious practices.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating this heinous crime and is working closely with ICSC leadership to gather all information necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help with the investigation.
“This hate crime reminds us that we must unite locally and internationally as a community against all forms of hate, bigotry and violence. We must remain vigilant and work to create a society that is inclusive, tolerant and respectful of the beliefs and traditions of all communities.”
Police are asking anyone with information to call LAPD Olympic Station Detectives at 213-382-9466 or the Duty Commander at 213-382-9110 during late hours.