Vandals Target Eastern New Mexico Mosque, Hate Crime Investigation Launched

Authorities are currently leading an investigation into a series of acts of vandalism targeting an Eastern New Mexico mosque. Portales Police have received reports of similar damage at other vacant buildings in the area, prompting them to explore potential connections such as hate crimes.

Most recently, vulgar language was spray-painted on one of the walls of an Eastern New Mexico mosque, compounding the sense of violation experienced by the Muslim community. (Photo: KRQE)

Vandals Target Eastern New Mexico Mosque

Portales Police have received reports of equal damage at other vacant buildings in the area of the Eastern New Mexico mosque. Disturbingly, the vandals returned to the mosque and damaged its air conditioning unit on a subsequent occasion, U.S. News reported.

Most recently, vulgar language was spray-painted on one of the walls, compounding the sense of violation experienced by the Muslim community.

Ahmed Benssouda, the director of the Portales Islamic Center, recounted the damage inflicted by the vandals in an Eastern New Mexico mosque. He reported that the perpetrators had initially punctured holes in the walls and desecrated a Quran by tearing it up and pouring beer on it.

Furthermore, the vandals destroyed furniture and left a trail of trash strewn throughout the building.

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Investigation of Vandalism in Eastern New Mexico Mosque

Police Chief Christopher Williams emphasized the ongoing investigation, regardless of whether the incident of vandalism in the Eastern New Mexico mosque is classified as a hate crime or not.

He explained that in New Mexico if a crime is proven to be motivated by hate, it carries a sentencing enhancement rather than a separate criminal charge.

In response to the vandalism in an Eastern New Mexico mosque, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a national advocacy group, released a statement on Friday condemning the acts and urging law enforcement to thoroughly examine any potential bias motives. Additionally, CAIR called for increased patrols around the Portales Islamic Center to ensure the safety and security of the Muslim community.

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