CAIR-LA Condemns ‘Disturbing’ Vandalism Targeting Los Angeles Mosque, Welcomes Hate Crime Probe
(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/14/2025) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the recent vandalism targeting the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) in Los Angeles.
SEE: LAPD launches hate crime investigation into graffiti at Islamic Center of Southern California
On Monday, May 12, ICSC released a statement reporting a “disturbing act of vandalism” on the exterior wall of the mosque and nearby trees. The graffiti included what the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified as potentially hate-motivated symbols.
LAPD’s Major Crimes Division said it has launched a hate crime investigation into the incident.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“ICSC is a beacon of faith and service in our community, and this hateful act of vandalism is not just an attack on a house of faith, it is an assault on the values of diversity and tolerance. Amidst rising anti-Muslim rhetoric across the country, this disturbing attempt to intimidate and marginalize our community is deeply concerning. Hate and bigotry, against any group regardless of faith or background, cannot go unchecked. We welcome the LAPD’s prompt response in investigating this incident as a hate crime.”
Ayloush added that CAIR offers advice on keeping religious facilities safe in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet.
ICSC announced that it, along with the LAPD and local civic leaders, will host a press conference to update the community about the incident on Friday, May 16.
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
Earlier today, CAIR’s national office condemned vandalism targeting the Mitchell Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com
