In the early morning hours of Sunday as a storm was brewing in Davis, another storm was brewing at the Davis Islamic Center as a female perpetrator broke windows, placed uncooked bacon on an exterior door handle, and destroyed two bikes parked on the property.
Davis Police Lt. Tom Waltz told the Vanguard on Sunday that Davis Police are treating the reported vandalism as a hate crime. While there was no message left by the suspect, the use of bacon, prohibited under Islamic Law, was a clear indicator of intent.
Based on surveillance video from the scene, it appears the crime occurred between 3:45 a.m and 4:00 a.m. the morning of January 22.
Officers found that an unidentified suspect had used an unknown type of device to shatter six window panes on the building’s exterior. The same suspect also placed strips of uncooked bacon on an exterior door handle and destroyed two bikes parked on the property.
Tom Waltz said that the video gave a pretty good description of the suspect, that he described as a white female adult, between 25-35 years old, 5’4″-5’8″ tall and approximately 160-180 lbs.
The suspect has red/brown wavy hair and was seen wearing beige hightop shoes, gray or blue tight fitting pants, an off-white vest and an unknown color shirt with an unknown logo. The suspect also wore a black hat with an unknown logo.
Islamic civil rights group CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), sent out a release on Sunday urging the FBI to probe the vandalism. The Muslim civil rights group offers $1,000 reward for information leading to conviction of the perpetrator.
CAIR-SV (the Sacramento Valley chapter) said a glass door was smashed early Sunday morning at the Islamic Center of Davis in Davis, Calif., and what appeared to be bacon was left on a door handle of the house of worship. Surveillance video shows someone who appears to be female placing the bacon on the door handle.
The release noted, “Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork products and bigots often use pigs or pork to offend Muslim sensibilities.”
“We ask state law enforcement authorities and the FBI to investigate the apparent bias motive for this vandalism and to bring the perpetrator to justice,” said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra. “The swift apprehension and punishment of those responsible for this act of religious intimidation will send the message that the growing Islamophobia we are witnessing in our nation will not be tolerated or ignored.”
CAIR’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C., has noted an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election.
ASCUD issued a terse statement, “Just over a week since a student organization invited an Islamophobic, transphobic speaker on campus, a hate crime has occurred targeting our Muslim community.
“It is with the deepest sympathy and regret that we express our solidarity with our Muslim students here on campus and in the wider Davis community,” the statement continued. “This is what happens when we invite hate into our community and allow it to proliferate under the guise of ‘free speech.’ As a student government, it is our collective duty to protect our students.”
The College Republicans quickly put out a statement condemning the actions of “the criminals who vandalized the Islamic Center, breaking windows and leaving bacon on site. We do not condone violence and/or hate crimes.
“The Islamic Center of Davis is a peaceful organization, and one of the few proponents of open discussion and education about their culture and religion. As fellow victims of violence and intolerance, we stand with the Islamic Center as they search for the perpetrators of this crime, and hope that they find the criminals so that we all may live in a peaceful atmosphere.”
They responded to the ASUCD statement: “The ASUCD Senate has made a statement today implying that our Milo event caused the vandalism at the Islamic Center of Davis. Our right to free speech was infringed when protesters became violent enough to force the UC Davis administration to stop our event. ASUCD, the body representing our students, has claimed that ‘[a]s a student government, it is our collective duty to protect our students.'”
They continued, “As a student government, it is your duty to protect the rights of all students, not just those with whom you agree. You should have publicly defended our right to free speech. Instead, you have wrongly cast blame on an organization interested in diversity of thought, alienating a minority group of students on campus. You are part of the reason why conservatives feel that they cannot openly express their beliefs.”
“’Condemning'” this act simply does not communicate our true feelings,” Mayor Robb Davis said in a comment on Facebook.
He added, “First, this is the act of a coward. We should all feel pity for a person so emotionally stunted that she stoops to this act. Second, our Muslim brothers and sisters are part of the fabric of our community and we will never abandon them–ever. And third, let us all take the time to reaffirm, in any way we can, our commitment to inclusion and support of all members of our community.”
Back in December after a hate letter was sent to the Islamic Center, Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig said that leaders “have come together to declare our commitment to standing up and fighting against hate crimes and hate incidents.
“We stand with our diverse communities at a time when hate crimes across the nation and the region are on the rise,” he said. “As the District Attorney I simply want the community to know that we will vigorously investigate and prosecute all crimes that we can prove in this regard.”
Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel said, “Words of hatred and terror such as this serve no rational or legitimate purpose.” He said that Davis is a community that celebrates its diversity, “we’re not just tolerant, we embrace each other for who we each are.”
The community members, he said, “are aligning to stand up against hate and those who spread hate.” As a community, he said “we are coming together to protect each other against hateful words, messages, threats and violence. Hate is not a value that is welcome in Davis.”
—David M. Greenwald reporting
Well said by the College Republicans.
“Our right to free speech was infringed when protesters became violent enough to force the UC Davis administration to stop our event.”
I believe in accepting full responsibility for all of one’s actions. What this statement omitted is that their own invited speaker, Martin Shkreli, is seen on tape moving into the crowd and pushing one of the protestors. They also stated that the university cancelled the event when it was reportedly their decision. A balanced statement by the College Republicans would have included their role in the violence and in the cancellation of the event.
I do however believe that it is stretch to even imply blame for this act to the actions of the College Republicans.
I thought for sure she would’ve been wearing a red hat with a known logo.
I sure hope they catch who did this in order to get to the bottom of what their true intentions were. With modern video enhancing and the fact that she was wearing clothing and a hat with logos it doesn’t sound like it would be too difficult to find this person.
Accidentally hit “ignore” Now can’t find “dashboard” to unignore. Help~
Here’s actual video of the person committing the crime. I’ve got to believe that someone recognizes this person. If not from this video then when it’s eventually enhanced.
http://www.abc10.com/news/local/davis/alleged-vandalism-reported-at-islamic-center-of-davis/389942801
I saw one video where she grabbed the seat of one of the bikes when she was slashing the tires. Finger prints? This case should be a slam and dunk.
Here’s an even better video. Watch it, let’s catch this person.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article128181544.html
Just a thought…
There is an event taking place @ St James Church, next Sunday (Jan 29) @ 3-5:30 PM… the 14th Annual Celebration of Abraham… sponsors include faith-based individuals of Muslim/Islamic, Jewish/Judaic, and Christian faiths, and include Copts, Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Catholics, Unitarians, Friends/”Quakers”, LDS/”Mormons”, etc.
This year’s theme is “Embodying Hope: A Call to Action”.
I and my spouse have attended ~ 10 of these, including the first… put your presence where your mouth is… sit with folk who differ from you in belief traditions… you just might find there is more “common ground” than you imagine…
I also invite those who are spiritual, but are of other religions, belief systems…
In my tradition, there is a saying… “that all might be one”… by choice, not coercion…
I believe that having a strong showing will tell the Islamic community that ‘they are not alone’… given this most recent atrocity. Think the famous quote, “first they came and took…”
Are we a “community”, or are we just a ‘municipal corporation’?
This event, I suspect, will be a great ‘counter-point’ to an event ‘staged’ ~ 10 days ago…
Unfortunately, I may not be in attendance, as I will read at an ecumenical service ~ the same time…
What happened to the Islamic center (saying this as a Catholic/Christian) is abhorrent and despicable… it should not ‘stand’ as an event this community should tolerate…
Howard
Let’s Davis Police catch the guy and find out if it was the hate crime or provocation .
Agree with that… but understanding others doesn’t hurt, in any event…
I do believe it was more than simple vandalism, tho’… the ‘bacon’ thing stands out… this is no different if it had occurred at Bet Haverim… or, pretty much at any place of worship, or anyone’s home… (except the bacon thing… that was weird)…
(except the bacon thing… that was weird)…
Howard
I think this is from the untrue story or legend about Gen. Black Jack Pershing vs. Muslim Terrorists.
If it’s a hate crime against Muslims or provocation as Jaroslaw has pointed out I believe that should also be considered a hate crime. This lady either had it out for the Muslims or she is trying to stir it up which I believe is just as bad.
The FBI, Homeland Security and our local police should enhancce and enlarge a picture of her and get it on the front page of the Enterprise, the Bee, the Vanguard and local news stations. Maybe somehow we can get the reward up over $10,000. Anyone who knows who she is and doesn’t come forward should also face charges.
Let’s find out who she is and let the chips fall where they may.
The police are investigating this as a hate crime.
Howard
Thanks for posting this event. I plan to attend as part of the positive steps that I believe that I can tak towards promoting community.
May see you there, but won’t be able to be there @ the start… hope you do attend… it is a special concept, one of the few good things that came out of the ashes of 9-11… it grew (as I recall) out of a Sacramento-based grass-root concept… we have found it inspiring, meeting with folk and finding common ‘roots’, and common ground.
“provocation .”
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“Hobbs
[moderator: edited, comment replied to has been removed]
Swing and a miss by ASUCD. Tying the incident in to Milo is indefensible.
College Republicans statement pretty on target, although equating their victimhood at UCD to that of Muslims in the US is a stretch. I understand their point, but as stated it comes off insensitive and non-understanding.
I’m not a fan of hate crime designation. A crime is a crime. Oh, did someone yell a racial epithet? Throw away the key. People smart enough not tell yell something offensive — but still hate — get away without a hate crime because there is no way of proving intentions. But, if ever there was evidence of a hate crime if we take them as given, this would seem to be undoubtedly one.
“Swing and a miss by ASUCD. Tying the incident in to Milo is indefensible.”
Not necessarily. What if the individual went to the Milo event?
David
What if the individual went to the Milo’s event and is member of the LGBT’s community . Islam is not very tolerant to gays and lesbians way of life . ?Let’s don’t speculate about . Let’s Davis Police take care of the problem .
What if the individual did indeed attend but was one of the protesters at the Milo event who was further trying to stir it up?
At the Saturday protest there were very few Milo protesters. Besides, that’s what the police are going to have to determine.
Well, I was referring mostly to Friday night.
Jerry is correct… speculation is just that… or a form of blogging “self-pleasuring”…
It is time to let PD do their work, and deplore vandalism, whatever the motivation…
And, it doesn’t hurt to affirm “community”… just in case it was prejudice (or politically) inspired…
[the word “hate” is too often used, IMO… hate is a damn strong emotion…]
What if the individual drank milk that morning? Should we shut down the dairy industry?
I never said shut down. I just don’t think you should dismiss the possibility of a link.
We shouldn’t dismiss any possibilities. Let it play out.
Whatever will be will be………
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc
I’m not dismissing possibilities. My point was that ASUCD has no evidence at all that the Milo event inspired this crime. That is total conjecture based on politics. I said the same thing about the speculation of cause-and-effect of “grout out the jews” and the playground noose. It fits into a political narrative to speculate as if that were of course the cause, when there is no evidence
Keith… loved your post with the link to Que Sera, Sera… c’est tres bien! Je d’accord as to your point…
Guess you can’t handle ‘criticism’ of you throwing out “what if’s” that doesn’t make any football (except blog hits) move… just stirs the pot… you need to own that you planted a “seed of a weed”…
[your 1:45 post]
Ok… while we’re sorting out who was responsible, and why, I hereby make a pledge of $100 to restore the site. Who else is “in”?
[update] Just logged into the site for donations… they have repairs funded, and will use the balance for enhanced security… I’m still in…
I’d like to see them use some of the extra funds for the reward to catch the scoundrel.
Fulfilled pledge… if someone is inclined, google Davis Islamic Center…
Keith… will you make a donation to increase the reward? If not, I question your “like to see”… put skin in the game, or hold that thought…
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000004890142/vandalism-at-davis-mosque.html
This video shows that this young lady is walking around the Islamic Center and she vandalizing the property without any fear to be recognized. Strange .
Yep…