A suspect has been arrested in a hate crime investigation launched after someone vandalized the Islamic Center of Southern California’s Koreatown building.
The arrest was made Monday evening, police said. Details about the identity of the detained person and what led to the arrest were not immediately available.
The crime occurred around 12:40 a.m. Sunday at the apartment building at 434 South Vermont Ave. Anti-Islamic hate speech was written in indelible marker on white columns at the entrance to the Islamic Center.
Victims increased by 23% between 2020 and 2021
Police released a photo of the man wanted in the crime that was seen on the Center’s security camera video.
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.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station NBCLA. Click on here to read this story in English.