The Moorhead-Fargo Islamic Community Center, 2215 12 Ave S, Moorhead, was vandalized last night, Saturday, April 25. Hate-filled, profane messages were spray-painted on the siding, windows, and doors. The FBI is assisting the Moorhead Police Department in the investigation.
Word of this crime spread this morning. Moorhead and Fargo residents are sharing overwhelming support for the Islamic Center congregation, joining Mayor Shelly Carlson in denouncing the incident. Mayor Carlson states, “Hate will not have a home in Moorhead. The words and symbols defacing the Islamic Center are horrifying to view, but we must view them to bear witness and understand the magnitude and depth of how these hate-filled words impact those in our community.”
When learning of the crime this morning, City Manager Dan Mahli indicated, “I can’t imagine this happening to my place of worship. We stand with Moorhead’s Islamic community. Hatred is not welcome in Moorhead.”
While the community is eager to erase the hate messages from the Islamic Center, evidence is still being gathered. Clean up will begin on Monday.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators, please call the Red River Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660 and ask to speak to the on-duty Moorhead Police Supervisor, or submit information to the Moorhead Police Department Tip Line.
Governmental Affairs, 218.299.5372.
