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Arkansas
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Bella Vista, September 2010
The Bella Vista City Council met to consider banning the construction of mosques and the practice of Sharia Law within city limits.
Sources:
http://nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=188955 http://jonah-m-tebbetts.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-jerusalem-in-benton-cou...
Arizona
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Tucson, January 2016
Residents at a high-rise student housing facility have repeatedly thrown alcohol bottles and other debris from their balconies into the parking lot of a nearby mosque. Residents have also shouted racial slurs at mosque visitors.
Sources:
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31135422/student-high-rise-managers-propose-putting-net-over-islamic-center-of-tucson
http://tucson.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/ua-area-residents-reprimanded-for-mosque-vandalism-again/article_32fa3858-4e4b-5216-8079-a22c0e435b29.html
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31017845/ua-students-throwing-glass-bottles-at-islamic-center-of-tucson-again
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31073566/4-ua-students-evicted-balconies-to-be-sealed-in-bottle-throwing-incidents
Phoenix, December 2015
Vandals shattered windows at the Islamic Cultural Center.
Sources:
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/north-phoenix/vandalism-reported-at-islamic-community-center-in-phoenix-
Glendale, August 2010
Two men threw an “acid bomb” - a soda bottle filled with acid at a mosque - targeting mosque officials standing nearby.
Sources:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0833871920070808
http://www.kpho.com/news/13849097/detail.html
Phoenix, August 2010
Vandals threw paint on the floor, shot out windows, and wrote anti-Muslim slurs on the walls of a local mosque.
Sources:
www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/09/08/20100908phoenix-mosque-vandalized-abrk.html#ixzz0zdBKQd7w
www.kpho.com/news/24935884/detail.html
Tucson, April 2007
Vandals ransacked a local mosque, writing "Bush was here" on one of the computer screens.
Sources:
'Anti-Muslim rhetoric' cited after vandalism at mosque in UA area, Arizona Daily Star, Apr. 5, 2007
California
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Stockton, January 2016
Suspects stole a flat screen TV and a donation box with hundreds of dollars in it from Masjid Al Emaan.
Sources:
http://fox40.com/2016/01/11/thieves-take-flat-screen-tv-donation-box-from-stockton-mosque/
Alameda, December 2015
Someone threw a brick through a large window at a building that is still labeled the Islamic Center of Alameda, although it was vacant at the time. The mosque had previously received hateful phone calls.
Sources:
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_29248592/alameda-vacant-building-formerly-used-by-islamic-community
Richmond, December 2015
A resident yelled, “I’m going to kill you all” at worshippers leaving the Islamic Society of West Contra Costa County, according to a mosque leader.
Sources:
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_29294710/richmond-donald-trump-supporter-arrested-suspicion-threatening-muslims
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_29309711/richmond-man-makes-bail-after-being-charged-threatening
Tracy, December 2015
Mosque leaders found an apparent Molotov cocktail that someone had thrown inside the gate of the Tracy Islamic Center near the side door.
Sources:
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Tracy-mosque-attacked-in-what-Muslim-leaders-say-6722167.php
http://fox40.com/2015/12/27/tracy-islamic-center-returns-to-normalcy-after-apparent-firebombing/
Hawthorne, December 2015
Vandals defaced a mosque with drawings of crosses and the name “Jesus.” Police also found a fake grenade at the scene.
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/12/13/hawthorne-california-mosques-defaced/77259488/
http://www.sbsun.com/general-news/20151213/2-hawthorne-mosques-vandalized-in-wake-of-san-bernardino-terror-attack
Hawthorne, December 2015
Someone wrote “Jesus is the way” on the Islamic Center of Hawthorne building.
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/12/13/hawthorne-california-mosques-defaced/77259488/
http://www.sbsun.com/general-news/20151213/2-hawthorne-mosques-vandalized-in-wake-of-san-bernardino-terror-attack
Coachella, December 2015
Someone set a mosque on fire while worshippers prayed inside. No one was injured.
Souces:
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/local/coachella/2015/12/11/structure-fire-coachella-may-mosque/77166120/
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-authorities-investigate-blaze-inside-coachella-valley-mosque-20151211-story.html
Antioch, August 2007
A local mosque was torched, rendering the building unusable.
Sources:
http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-08-13/bay-area/17258314_1_mosque-one-alarm-blaze-arson-investigators
Costa Mesa, January 2010
Burned and desecrated copies of the Quran were left at a mosque on separate occasions.
Sources:
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-mosque-vandalized,0,6306717.story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/orange-county-mosque-hit-b...
Cypress, June 2009
Vandals painted threats on the front wall of a local mosque, warning, "We will kill you all" and "U.S. military is going to kill you all."
Sources:
www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Racial-Slurs-Painted-on-Cypress-Mosque.html
www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-mosque-vandals,0,194500.story
Hayward, August 2012
Four teenagers threw lemons at a mosque and struck at least one person inside.
Sources:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_21266516
La Mirada, July 2011
Someone threw a rock through a mosque's newly installed glass doors.
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/crime/ci_18509705
Lomita, CA, March 2010
The City Council denied a request for a zoning change that would have allowed a local mosque to its expand its facilities due to alleged traffic concerns even though a traffic study concluded that the proposed expansion would not increase traffic and the city’s community development director, as well as the city planning commission, both recommended approval of the project. Since then, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Lomita challenging its decision to deny the mosque a permit.
Sources:
http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/03/02/lomita-mosque/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/lomita-rejects-plan-to-expand-south-bay-islamic-center-.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/lomita-mosque-lawsuit.html
Madera, August 2010
Vandals threw a brick at a local mosque and left signs outside that read, "Wake up America, the enemy is here," and "No temple for the god of terrorism."
Sources:
www.dailypress.com/news/local/la-me-0908-madera-mosque-20100908,0,939315.story
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/08/local/la-me-0908-madera-mosque-20100908
http://cbs13.com/local/mosque.vandalism.madera.2.1879381.html
Mission Viejo, January 2010
A religious display was vandalized with spray paint and an anti-Muslim message was left on the Islamic portion of an interfaith display.
Sources:
http://www.ocregister.com/news/display-226852-hate-islamic.html
Morada, CA, July 2009
The Morada Area Association, a private organization of local property owners, filed suit to stop construction of a mosque approved already approved by the local Board of Supervisors. Among the concerns cited throughout the debate over the mosque were its “social and cultural implications.” Sources:
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090716/A_NEWS/307169965/-1/a_life05
http://www.lodinews.com/news/article_ce5bb451-2869-5447-b524-69e1549116f5.html
http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/property-law-real-property-zoning-land-use/13582928-1.html
Ontario, CA, August 2012
Three pig legs were thrown on the driveway of a house of worship during Ramadan. Sources:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/inland_empire&id=8770248
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Pigs-Legs-Al-Nur-Islamic-Center-Ontario-Mosque-Site-165742226.html
Sacramento, August 2010
A plastic pig inscribed with "No Mosque in NYC," "Remember 9-11," and "Mo-Ham-ed" was left in a mosque's mailbox.
Sources:
www.dailypress.com/topic/ktxl-news-sacramentomosquetargetedwithtoxicpig,0,6532511.story
Stockton, April 2011
A mosque was burned down in a fire that also damaged nearby buildings. Investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set.
http://www.news10.net/news/local/article/139290/2/Stockton-mosque-fire-was-arson-say-investigators
Connecticut
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Bridgeport, August 2010
Picketers targeted a mosque during Ramadan and shouted "murderers" and "Jesus hates Muslims" at worshippers, including children.
Sources:
www.ctpost.com/news/article/Angry-protesters-descend-on-mosque-606515.php
Meriden, November 2015
Members arrived at the Baitul Aman mosque to find four bullet holes in the wall next to the prayer hall. No one was injured.
Sources
http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-meriden-malloy-prayer-service-1121-20151120-story.html
http://abc7ny.com/news/shots-fired-at-ct-mosque-hours-after-paris-attacks-as-muslims-face-backlash/1089771/
Middleton, CT, August 2012
A proposal to expand a mosque’s parking lot was met with concerns from neighbors and community members as well as accusations of terrorist ties by a group called Radical Islam.
Sources:
http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2012-06-14/Front_Page/Planning_Board_postpones_vote_on_Islamic_Center.html
http://middletown-nj.patch.com/articles/planning-board-approves-islamic-society-expansion
Norwalk, April 2012
A group of residents hired a lawyer to oppose the construction of a local mosque. After a contentious public hearing, the Norwalk Zoning Commission rejected the mosque application. The Islamic Center has appealed the decision.
Sources:
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Proposed-mosque-in-Norwalk-draws-controversy-3462899.php
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/al-madany-center-of-norwalk-files-lawsuit-appealing-zoning-commission/article_dadcf7ab-5e6e-53aa-b8bd-c97dd0871959.html
Wallingford, CT, May 2008
The local planning and zoning commission denied a permit to build a mosque, citing traffic and parking concerns, after opponents of the project formed a coalition to lobby against it, and one opponent expressed concerns about Islam’s allegedly “ill treatment” of women.
Sources:
http://www.myrecordjournal.com/latestnews/article_36e7c49f-dffa-5da3-beb3-59370872087f.html
http://www.myrecordjournal.com/latestnews/article_6bb08be7-912b-5f2b-bf73-cd339df7f8d7.html
http://www.myrecordjournal.com/latestnews/article_7cefce41-bfce-5a4c-ae56-1cd80cbc85af.html
Florida
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Titusville, January 2016
Someone used a machete to vandalize the Al-Mumin Mosque by ripping down lights and smashing windows. The vandal also left a slab of raw bacon at the front door.
Sources:
http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2016/01/03/titusville-mosque-vandalized-pork-products-left-front-door-police-report/78238954/
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-titusville-mosque-vandalized-20160103-story.html
http://www.myfoxboston.com/news/machete-wielding-vandal-leaves-3-pounds-of-bacon-at-florida-mosque/12980301
Sunrise, January 2016
A Facebook user threatened to burn down local mosques.
Sources:
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30959721/anti-muslim-facebook-post-puts-sunrise-organization-on-alert
North Palm Beach, December 2015
Police charged a 27-year-old man for allegedly breaking multiple windows at the Islamic Center of Palm Beach.
Sources:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/man-faces-hate-crime-charges-in-north-palm-islamic/npkNy/
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-islamic-center-palm-vandalized-folo-20151207-story.html
http://www.wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/north-palm-beach/islamic-center-of-palm-beach-damaged-by-vandals
St. Petersburg, November 2015
A nearby resident left a voice mail saying his personal militia would come to shoot those present in the head. “I don’t care if they’re (expletive) 2 years old or 100,” the resident said.
Sources:
http://wfla.com/2015/12/09/st-petersburg-mosque-beefs-up-security-following-anti-islamic-threats/
Gainesville, July 2010
Protestors outside of a local mosque carried signs declaring that "Islam is the devil."
Sources:
www.news4jax.com/news/24148793/detail.html
Jacksonville, May 2010
Vandals firebombed the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida.
Sources:
www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/05/12/Mosque-in-Jacksonville-Fla-firebombed/UPI-85931273693653/www.news4jax.com/news/23514333/detail.html
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-05-11/story/fbi-video-jacksonville-mosque-shows-man-gas-can
Miami, June 2010
Vandals smashed windows and slashed tires at an Islamic center two years after it was targeted by gunfire.
Sources:
www.justnews.com/news/20990455/detail.html
www.justnews.com/news/19940450/detail.html
http://cbs4.com/local/Miami.Dade.Muslim.2.899207.html
Pompano Beach, June 2006
Opponents of a proposed mosque claimed that Muslims "come in to rape the community and go away," and filed a lawsuit to stop construction on the ground that mosque leaders had ties to terrorist organizations.
Sources:
www.justnews.com/news/9367230/detail.html
www.sptimes.com/2006/07/15/Worldandnation/Seeking_a_new_mosque_.shtml
www.theledger.com/article/20070502/NEWS/705020464
White City
After mosque developers downsized their plans, the county commission unanimously approved the project despite strong opposition from local residents. Sources:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/dec/04/st-lucie-to-revisit-proposal-to-build-white-city/
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/18/mosque-okd-white-city/
Georgia
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Alpharetta, June 2010
An Islamic center filed suit after the city council disregarded a favorable recommendation by the city's community development staff and denied permits to expand the center's facilities.
Sources:
www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/alpharetta-votes-down-islamic-534477.html
Alpharetta, March 2010
Opponents of a mosque set to be built by the Hazmah Islamic Center filed suit after the Forsyth County Commission voted to approve the project. Sources:
http://www.forsythnews.com/section/5/article/6109/
Marietta, July 2011
Signs of forcible entry were found at a mosque, indicating that the fire which damaged the building was set intentionally.
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2011/07/30/coolidge_examiner/religion/doc4e2f3c5578166980513267.txt
Lilburn, December 2009
An Islamic center filed suit after the city council refused to grant permits to build a new mosque, and local opponents made anti-Muslim comments, such as "I just don't like Muslims" and "I don't want them taking over our neighborhood."
Sources:
www.cbsatlanta.com/news/21406971/detail.html
www.gwinnettdailypost.com/archives/headlines/82923102.html
Complaint, A.G.A. Islamic Organization v. City of Lilburn, Case 1:09-cv-03549-TWT (N.D. Ga. Dec. 17, 2009)
Illinois
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Palos Park, IL February 2016
In response to a proposed new mosque, someone anonymously placed flyers in residents’ mailboxes warning of traffic, large Muslim families, "women wearing burkas," and decreased property values.
Sources:http://abc7chicago.com/religion/flyers-circulating-in-sw-suburbs-fighting-new-mosque/1184079/
Wheaton, IL January 2016
The police chief and others received an email containing a fake website claiming to represent the Islamic Center of Wheaton, advocating violent acts. Police confirmed the center’s leaders were not behind the website.
Sources: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-wheaton-islamic-center-website-faked-20160111-story.html
Des Plaines, IL July 2010
The city council approved an expanded parking lot for a local mosque despite objections from residents, with the Mayor explaining, that “[t]here have been other churches that have had additional parking (expansions). . . . I don't remember any controversy as far as I've been on the council.”
Sources:
Mosque faces growing pains, Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, July 18, 2010
Lombard, August 2012
A bottle filled with acid and other unspecified materials was thrown at an Islamic school during the nighttime Ramadan prayers.
Sources:
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/08/13/islamic-school-hit-with-acid-filled-bottle-in-lombard
Morton Grove, August 2012
A pellet rifle was fired at a mosque during Ramadan, damaging the outer wall of the building.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57492050-504083/david-conrad-51-arrested-in-chicago-mosque-air-rifle-shooting/
Naperville, April 2010
An Islamic group filed suit against the county after being denied a permit to build a mosque; county officials asked inappropriate questions, such as whether there would be any animal sacrifices on premise; and local opponents falsely claimed the group has ties to terrorist organizations. The DuPage County Board later changed its zoning laws to restrict the operation of new houses of worship in residential neighborhoods.
Sources:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=371825
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-26/news/ct-met-dupage-zoning-meeting-0827-20100826_1_islamic-center-zoning-proposalislamic-group
Complaint, Irshad Learning Center v. County of DuPage, No. 1:10-cv-02168 (N.D. Ill. Apr. 8, 2010)
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-11/news/chi-dupage-board-places-new-restrictions-on-new-houses-of-worship-20111011_1_zoning-change-jim-zay-jeff-redick
Kansas
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Wichita, October 2011
A fire that caused more than $100,000 in damages to a mosque was declared arson.
Sources:
http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Wichita-mosque-fire-declared-arson/63qQinYFbUqeedT6rQ6UGA.cspx
Kentucky
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Owensboro, January 2016
A person or group of people vandalized the Islamic Center of Owensboro with ketchup, but officials are not investigating it as a hate crime since the vandal(s) left no words or symbols.
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mosque-vandalized-group-calls-hate-crime-investigation-36196956 Florence, June 2010
Opponents of a proposed mosque have distributed fliers urging neighbors to "to stop the takeover of our country," and have set up a website alleging that the mosque is "the first phase of a Master Plan."
Sources:
www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010308160051
www.fox19.com/global/story.asp?s=12920148
www.fox19.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146
http://the-vigilante.com/2010/08/05/northern-kentucky-rising-stop-the-mosque/
Mayfield, August 2010
The Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a permit for local Muslims to worship in a rented storefront, reversing the board's unanimous decision weeks earlier to grant the same permit.
Sources:
www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Mayfield-to-vote-on-Mosque-Tuesday-101339299.html
www.publicbroadcasting.net/wkms/news.newsmain/article/0/1/1690713
Louisiana
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Bossier, May 2011
Pork was left on the door handles of a mosque so that attendees would have to touch it as they went inside.
Sources:
http://www.ksla.com/story/14602327/bossier-mosque-vandalized
Massachusetts
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Amherst, MA, April 2010
Proponents of a proposed mosque withdrew from the local planning board their application to convert a former Christian school into a mosque after encountering strident opposition from residents. Sources:
http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/06/04/mosque-drops-plans-move-amherst?SESS01f3a8851eca435fd6f0e93df97b4b35=gnews
http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/04/09/mosque-move-stirs-concerns?SESS01f3a8851eca435fd6f0e93df97b4b35=gnews
http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/06/04/hampshire-mosque-pulls-plans-house-worship-harkness-rd
Boston, MA, July 2009
The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center is in Roxbury in the heart of Boston. It is the largest Islamic center in New England, and the second largest on the East Coast. It has a very diverse membership, representing more than 25 national groups and ethnicities. After an arduous seven-year building process and five years of litigation after it became a lightning rod for controversy generated by groups that did not want the mosque to be built, it opened its doors in June 2009. Sources:
http://pluralism.org/news/continuing_stories_view/77
Maryland
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Gaithersburg, MD, November 2008
Vandals shot paintballs at a local mosque. Sources:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/11032008/montnew164228_32505.shtml
Salisbury, MD, April 2006
Someone fired gunshots into a local mosque. Sources:
http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=4828885
Walkersville, June 2007
The town amended its zoning ordinance in an effort to block a mosque from being built on local farmland.
Sources:
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,307692,00.html
www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display_comments.htm?StoryID=100248
Moxley v. Town of Walkersville, 601 F.Supp.2d 648 (D. Md. 2009)
Maine
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Lewiston, July 2006
Someone rolled a pig’s head into a mosque’s prayer room while a few dozen men were praying.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/us/05maine.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Portland, August 2009
The Maine Civil Liberties Union filed suit when the city refused to allow a group of Muslims to use a former television repair shop they had purchased for prayer services and religious study.
Sources:
www.pressherald.com/archive/city-sued-for-barring-use-of-building-as-mosque_2009-08-13.html
www.aclu.org/blog/content/mosque-maine
Portland, May 2011
Vandals left graffiti on the side of a mosque saying, “Go home” and “Osama Today Islam Tomorrow (sic).”
Sources:
http://www.pressherald.com/news/Graffiti-on-Portland-mosque-under-invest...
Michigan
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Dearborn, January 2011
A man was arrested with a vehicle full of explosives he intended to use to blow up a mosque.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/30/roger-stockham-arrested-explosi...
Detroit, May 2010
Vandals damaged a local mosque twice in one week.
Sources:
www.ww4report.com/node/8625
East Lansing, September 2010
A burned Quran was left outside of a mosque.
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-09-14-mosque14_ST_N.htm
Grand Rapids, MI, July 2008
The city planning commission unanimously rejected a proposal to convert a former school building into a Muslim worship center after neighbors vigorously objected. Sources:
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/07/heritage_hill_group_objects_to.html
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-43/122122534049030.xml&coll=6
Northville, MI, November 2009
After numerous neighbors protested, the zoning board of appeals denied a request for a variance that would have enabled a local mosque to build a parking lot in front of the building. Sources:
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/11/northville_township_mosque_fac.html
http://www.freep.com/article/20100121/NEWS02/109240001/Northville-Twp.-denies-mosque-s-request-for-more-parking
Minnesota
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Marshall, April 2012
A sign outside of a mosque was defaced with spray paint.
Sources:
http://kstp.com/news/stories/s2608131.shtml?cat=1
St. Anthony, June 2012
The St. Anthony City Council rejected plans for a local Islamic center after a public meeting. Some of those who spoke against the center expressed their anti-Muslim bias with statements such as, 'Islam is evil.'
Sources:
http://www.startribune.com/local/158785005.html
Missouri
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Cape Girardeau, May 2009
Several windows were destroyed at a mosque in an act of vandalism that was later determined to be motivated by discrimination.
Sources:
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1569159.html
Joplin, August 2012
A mosque’s wooden sign was ruined in an arsonist’s fire. Four years later, the roof of the same mosque was set on fire. A month after that, the entire mosque was burned to the ground. The FBI has joined the investigation.
Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/06/us/missouri-mosque-burned/index.htmlhttp://www.joplinglobe.com/joplin_metro/x212155883/FBI-investigating-tor...
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/FBI-helping-investigate-fire-at-Joplin-mosque-3685516.php
Springfield, January 2011
Vandals used graffiti to put hateful messages on the walls of an Islamic Center. In April, the same people left two burnt copies of the Quran with a note that said “Death to Islam” in front of the Islamic Center.
Sources:
http://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article52075645.html
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/crime/2015/12/29/man-pleads-guilty-defacing-islamic-center-springfield/78017972/
St. Louis, September 2010
Vandals spray-painted the phrase “worship satan” on the side of a mosque twice over the course of two weeks.
Sources:
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/South-St-Louis-mosque-vandalized-103633489.html
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Vandals-strike-again-at-south-St-Louis-mosque-103974289.html
Mississippi
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Madison, August 2009
More than 300 residents signed a petition opposing the construction of a proposed mosque, with many citing fears about radical Islam.
Sources:
www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/mosque_still_debated_in_madison_080309/
Muslims Win Approval for Water, Sewer for Madison Co. Mosque, March 23, 2010, The Clarion-Ledger, at A5.
North Carolina
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Durham, November 2009
A local mosque was vandalized three times in one year and worshippers were told to "go to hell."
Sources:
www.newsobserver.com/2009/11/04/174919/durham-mosque-is-vandalized.html
Nebraska
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Lexington, February 2016
The City of Lexington denied a mosque’s request for a conditional use zoning permit, saying it would negatively impact the development of the area, and then filed suit against the mosque for operating without a valid permit.
Sources:
http://lexch.com/news/council-denies-mosque-expansion/article_98043ba2-a99f-11e5-8bc5-fbcb55f0fd6d.html
http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/lexington-islamic-center-has-aclu-s-backing-in-zoning-fight/article_81a9a1f5-a313-5954-b4b7-9270cb14a7c2.html
Omaha, January 2016
Two masked men wrapped bacon around a door handle at the Omaha Islamic Center and threw rocks at the glass doors.
Sources:
http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/FBI-Asked-to-Probe-Omaha-Mosque-Vandalism-as-Hate-Crime-365214221.html
Omaha, November 2015
A surveillance camera showed someone attempting to break a glass door at the Islamic Center. Later in the month, someone spray-painted an Eiffel Tower peace symbol on the mosque after the attacks in Paris.
Sources:
http://www.ketv.com/news/vandals-target-omaha-islamic-center-with-paris-peace-sign/36477480
http://journalstar.com/news/local/911/islamic-center-reports-nd-attempt-at-vandalism/article_63f829f8-790e-574c-979b-b9b324ef591f.html
Omaha, August 2015
At least two people broke a glass door at the mosque by throwing an estimated 40-pound boulder at it.
Sources:
http://www.omaha.com/news/crime/rock-breaks-glass-door-at-islamic-center-of-omaha/article_f59458a4-4a74-11e5-9e08-570073c6526a.html
http://journalstar.com/news/local/911/boulder-tossed-through-door-glass-at-omaha-islamic-center/article_683fc65e-7c61-5d29-986f-1d40f46376e3.html
Omaha, October 2008
A rock was thrown through the glass front door of a mosque, shattering it.
Sources:
http://www.ketv.com/newsarchive/17777058/detail.html
New Jersey
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Jersey City, December 2015
An Islamic Center received a letter that said in part, “We do not want you here. We do not like you. You are evil,” and previously received a hateful voice mail.
Sources:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/jersey-city-mosque-threat/
Basking Ridge, December 2015
The Bernards Township Planning Board denied a plan for a mosque on a residential lot after 3.5 years of public hearings.
Sources:
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/warren/articles/bernards-township-planning-board-denies-mosque-pl-2
http://www.newjerseyhills.com/bernardsville_news/news/vote-on-liberty-corner-mosque-expected-tonight/article_046f4d1b-b82d-52fc-88be-78cc47d61d15.html
Bridgewater, April 2011
An Islamic group sued the town after it changed zoning rules to prevent a mosque from opening in a residential neighborhood.
Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870418760457628950378460467...
Piscataway, NJ, August 2009
The Muslim Center of Middlesex County proposed to expand its existing facility, which has sparked objections from some residents.
http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2009/08/piscataway_mosque_looks_to_exp.html
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091020/NEWS/910200349/Muslim-center-expansion-application-to-go-before-Piscataway-zoning-board
http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2009/10/piscataway_zoning_meeting_to_d.html
Rockaway Borough, NJ, March 2008
Residents filed suit to overturn the local zoning board’s approval of a plan to convert an area building into a mosque.
http://www.nj.com/middlesex/index.ssf/2009/10/piscataway_zoning_meeting_to_d.html
Wayne, July 2006
After stonewalling approval of a plan to build an Islamic center and mosque for three years, the township of Wayne attempted to exercise eminent domain over the proposed site property, prompting mosque officials to sue.
Sources:
www.strausnews.com/articles/2006/07/27/west_milford_messenger/news/8.txt
Complaint, Albanian Associated Fund v. Township of Wayne, Case No. 06-cv-3217 (D. N.J. Oct. 1, 2007)
Nevada
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Las Vegas, December 2015
A man put raw bacon strips on the door handles at Masjid-e-Tawheed that worshippers found as they arrived for Sunday morning prayer.
Sources:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/muslim-civil-rights-group-calls-hate-crime-inquiry-after-vegas-mosque-vandalized
New York
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Queens, January 2012
A Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Islamic center. The man responsible said that he intended 'to inflict as much damage as possible and take out as many Muslims and Arabs as possible.'
Sources:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/01/01/authorities-investigate-possible-fire-attack-at-queens-islamic-center/
http://www.qchron.com/editions/eastern/eastern-queens-alleged-mosque-bomber-indicted-on-state-federal-charges/article_1eea4350-71f0-11e1-b025-001871e3ce6c.html
Amherst, May 2011
A sign was placed on a lawn neighboring a mosque that read, 'Bomb Making: Next Driveway.'
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/mosque-controversy-bomb-making-sign-riles-neighbors/story?id=13574728
Brooklyn, May 2011
Local residents have vowed to stop construction of a mosque in the Sheepshead Bay area, with one neighbor even threatening to bomb it. After Osama Bin Laden’s death, graffiti was found at the construction site reading, “He’s Dead.”
Sources:
www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/37/all_mosquegiveaway_2010_9_10_bk.html
www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/01/08/2010-01-08_some_in_nabe_fear_planned_mosque.html
www.sheepsheadbites.com/2010/01/sheepshead-bay-mosque-controversy/
www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/27/bn_tt_baypeoplemosquerally_2010_07_02_bk.html
www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/01/08/2010-01-08_some_in_nabe_fear_planned_mosque.html
www.sheepsheadbites.com/2010/07/tea-party-tries-again-another-open-letter/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/13342408
Carlton, August 2010
A group of teenagers hurled obscenities at Muslim worshippers, shot a gun outside of a mosque, and sideswiped a congregant.
Sources:
www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100914/NEWS01/100914001/1002/NEWS/Holley-teens-face-more-charges-in-mosque-case
www.buffalonews.com/city/article179322.ece
Hudson, September 2010
Three men spray-painted an anti-Muslim epithet on the back wall of a mosque.
Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/APebf11f7773e04470bfe7007e7b474aa1.html
www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/UPDATE-3-arrested-accused-of-vandalizing-mosque/p17W3gNh6kWfaQSFbe25TQ.cspx
Huntington, October 2010
A jar of nails was thrown at a mosque.
Sources:
http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/10/21/cops-suspect-threw-jar-of-nail...
Manhattan, May 2010
A proposed Islamic community center in Lower Manhattan drew strong opposition both locally and nationally; though two local governmental bodies have denied efforts to block construction of the proposed center, the controversy continues, and one group has filed a lawsuit to stop the center's construction.
Sources:
www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/nyregion/12sept11.html
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/11/AR2010091105704.html
www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/nyregion/04mosque.html
www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/nyregion/26muslim.html
New Hyde Park, NY, October 2010
A request for a variance to build a parking lot for a local mosque drew a packed crowd and opposition at a zoning board hearing. Sources:
http://www.antonnews.com/illustratednews/news/10802-residents-pack-zoning-hearing-on-islamic-center.html
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/23/controversy-over-l-i-islamic-center-parking-lot/
New York, August 2010
An intoxicated man entered a mosque during evening prayers, called those present “terrorists,” and urinated on prayer rugs.
Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38863919/ns/us_news-life/'
Ohio
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Cincinnati, December 2005
Two pipe bombs were detonated outside of a local mosque.
Sources:
www.wlwt.com/news/22020552/detail.html
Columbus, December 2010
A Muslim woman was threatened and sprayed with pepper spray outside of an Islamic Center.
Sources:
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2010/12/21/story-columbus...
Dayton, September 2008
A ten-year-old girl was sprayed in the face with a chemical while attending Ramadan services.
Sources:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/27/...
Sugarcreek Township, January 2008
Opponents of a proposed mosque declared, “We just feel that Christianity is right and that Islam is wrong. Therefore, we take a stand to see (a mosque) not in our community.” The zoning board of appeals rejected plans for the mosque in January 2008, but approved a scaled back version in September 2008, despite vocal opposition. Sources:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/01/27/ddn012708mosque.html
http://www.tcnewsnet.com/main.asp?SectionID=15&SubSectionID=260&ArticleID=145581&TM=38715.34
http://www.daytoncircus.org/?q=node/1336
Toledo, OH, September 2012
A gasoline fire on the main floor of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo was ruled to be arson.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/toledo-mosque-arson_n_1934488.html?
Oklahoma
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Oklahoma City August 2012
Vandals fired paintballs at the doors of a mosque then fled the scene.
Sources:
http://newsok.com/article/3700402
Oregon
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Corvallis, November 2010
An arsonist set fire to an Islamic center.A federal grand jury indicted the arsonist on federal hate crime and arson charges.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/28/national/main7096810.shtml
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/28/oregon-islamic-center-arson-fir...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/11/29/us-usa-security-somali-idUSTRE...
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/August/11-crt-1088.html
Pennsylvania
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Philadelphia, December 2015
Vandals deposited a severed pig’s head outside the door of the Al Aqsa Islamic Society, prompting a police and FBI investigation.
Sources
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20151208_Severed_pig_s_head_left_at_N__Phila__mosque.html?c=r
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/12/08/pig-head-tossed-philly-mosque-draws-probes/76971100/
Rhode Island
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
North Smithfield August 2012
Surveillance video captured someone driving into a mosque’s parking lot and smashing the moque’s sign with a hammer.
Sources:
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/crime/mosque-vandalized-in-north-smithfield
South Carolina
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Florence, South Carolina, October 2010
Vandals defaced the walkway of a mosque, using bacon strips to spell out “PIG CHUMP” in an apparent effort to offend Muslim worshippers who do not eat pork. The mosque was also vandalized earlier this year when newly installed windows were smashed. Sources:
http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=524982
http://www2.scnow.com/news/2010/oct/12/police-florence-islamic-center-vandalized-meat-ar-953778/
http://www.newsok.com/cops-sc-islamic-center-defaced-with-bacon-slices/article/feed/201035
Taylors, August 2009
Vandals scratched "death to Muslims" into a sidewalk leading into the mosque.
Sources:
www.foxcarolina.com/news/20562663/detail.html
Tennessee
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Antioch, June 2010
Opponents of a proposed mosque organized a petition in an effort to dissuade a property owner from selling to an Islamic group.
Sources:
www.wsmv.com/news/24072307/detail.html
www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=12730008
www.tennessean.com/article/20100629/NEWS01/6290337/Proposed-Antioch-mosque-is-third-in-Middle-Tennessee-to-face-opposition
www.wsmv.com/news/24840082/detail.html
Brentwood, May 2010
A local Islamic group withdrew a plan to build a mosque after public outcry.
Sources:
Brentwood mosque not alone in defeat, The Tennessean, May 23, 2010
Columbia, February 2008
Neo-Nazis burned down a mosque.
Sources:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330504,00.html
Knoxville, September 2010
A burned Quran was left outside of a mosque.
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-09-14-mosque14_ST_N.htm
Murfreesboro, May 2010
Opponents of a planned mosque have vandalized the mosque site, including setting fire to construction vehicles.
Sources::
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/murfreesboro-tennessee-mosque-plan-draws-criticism-residents/story?id=10956381
www.tennessean.com/article/20100621/NEWS06/6210329
www.tennessean.com/article/20100831/NEWS01/8310344/Vigil-in-support-of-mosque-near-Murfreesboro-draws-150-people
http://blogs.tennessean.com/opinion/2010/09/05/stand-up-for-religious-freedom
Nashville, February 2010
Vandals spray-painted "Muslims go home" on a mosque and left a vitriolic, hate-filled letter railing against the Muslim faith.
Sources:
http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/community-reaches-out-local-islamic-center-after-hate-crime
Texas
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Richardson, December 2015
Protesters, about half of them armed with rifles, stood outside the Islamic Association of North Texas. They call themselves the Bureau of American-Islamic Relations.
Sources:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Texas-Mosque-Draws-Protest-Counter-Protest-Demonstrations-361689561.html
http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/dallas-county/2015/12/13/n-texas-again-sees-protests-counter-protests-over-islamic-relations/77239042/
http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2015/12/a-weekend-of-angst-over-islam-guns-in-richardson-marchers-in-dallas-and-a-quiet-conversation-in-irving.html/
Irving, November 2015
About a dozen demonstrators protested outside the Islamic Center of Irving with guns, calling themselves the Bureau of American-Islamic Relations.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/irving-texas-armed-mosque-protest_5651eddfe4b0d4093a581d14
http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2015/11/armed-protesters-set-up-outside-islamic-center-of-irving.html/
Pflugerville, November 2015
A member of the Islamic Center of Pflugerville found a ripped-up Quran covered in feces at the mosque.
Sources:
http://www.kvue.com/story/news/crime/2015/11/16/police-vandals-tore-apart-dumped-feces-quran-mosque/75884812/
http://keyetv.com/news/local/pflugerville-mosque-vandalized-with-feces-torn-quran
Arlington, July 2010
Vandals burned playground equipment at a mosque and spray-painted a picture of Uncle Sam assaulting Allah in the parking lot.
Sources:
www.publicbroadcasting.net/kera/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1685053
www.star-telegram.com/2010/07/28/2368772/arlington-mosque-reports-vandalism.html
Houston, May 2011
Arsonists broke through a mosque’s window, poured gasoline on the carpet, and started a fire.
Sources:
http://www.khou.com/news/121966654.html
Houston, October 2009
A vandal scrawled religious slurs on the outside walls of a local mosque.
Sources:
www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6658660.html
www.click2houston.com/news/21242744/detail.html
Katy, December 2006
Opponents of a plan to construct a mosque held pig races every Friday evening on bordering property in hopes of offending Muslims on their holy day.
Sources:
www.katytimes.com/articles/2006/12/04/news/01news.txt
www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/new/7190476.html
www.katytimes.com/articles/2006/12/04/news/01news.txt
www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-february-27-2007/loathe-thy-neighbor
Lubbock, October 2006
Vandals attacked a local mosque three times in one month.
Sources:
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/102606/loc_102606030.shtml
San Antonio, TX, September 2010
A mosque was vandalized with spraypaint and worshippers’ cars were targeted with graffiti and anti-Muslim messages. Sources:
http://www.kens5.com/news/Local-Mosque-Vandalized-102283944.html
Virginia
5 or more anti-mosque incidents
Fredericksburg, December 2015
Opponents of a proposed mosque circulated a flyer calling for "No Jihad in Fredericksburg" and warning that there is "no way of knowing how many ISIS agents will be hiding" among refugees. The prior month, opponents interrupted a public presentation about the proposal with "bigoted rants," shouting at the speaker and saying all Muslims are terrorists. A sheriff's deputy broke up the meeting.
Sources:
http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/virginia/2015/12/04/flyer-calls-no-jihad-fredericksburg-mosque-debate/76819782/
http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/virginia/2015/11/18/hate-speech-closes-spotsylvania-public-meeting/76027308/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/in-fredericksburg-mosque-meeting-exposes-deep-divide/2015/11/22/0b8e0386-9074-11e5-baf4-bdf37355da0c_story.html
Chantilly, May 2012
An eighteen-year-old man was arrested for vandalism after he broke several windows and caused about $60,000 worth of damage to a mosque that was under construction.
Sources:
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/05/11/police-make-arrest-in-chantilly-mosque-vandalism-case/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/va-mosque-opening-on-hold_n_1243102.html
Harrisonburg, VA, September 2012
A mosque was spray-painted with obscene graffiti.
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-mosques-vandalized-area-muslim-leaders-call-for-calm/2012/09/15/88e80d86-ff63-11e1-b153-218509a954e1_story.html
http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-fbi-investigating-mosque-graffiti-in-va-20120918,0,6288009.story
Manassas, December 2015,
Someone left a threatening voice mail for the Manassas mosque shortly after the San Bernardino shooting, saying he wanted to kill Muslims in retaliation. "You all will be sorry. You all will be killed," he said according to the imam of the mosque.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/manassas-mosque-gets-threatening-phone-call-you-all-will-be-killed/2015/12/03/494142b2-9a09-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html
Manassas, August 2014
Someone vandalized the Manassas mosque by spray painting an expletive twice across the windows and shattering a glass door.
Sources
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/manassas-mosque-vandalized-in-possible-hate-crime/2014/08/12/e0aca8f2-2247-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html
Washington
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Seattle, February 2016
A man with a baseball bat approached two men in a mosque parking lot and asked where they were from. He smashed a rearview mirror of a parked car as he ran away.
Sources:
http://q13fox.com/2016/02/04/man-with-gun-arrested-outside-seattle-mosque/
http://www.seattleglobalist.com/2016/02/04/man-hate-crime-seattle-mosque/47206
http://komonews.com/news/local/police-gun-waving-suspect-confronts-men-outside-seattle-mosque
Bellevue, June 2010
Vandals smeared excrement on an Islamic center's van, which featured advertisements promoting Islam.
Sources:
www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/97187474.html
Wisconsin
3 or 4 anti-mosque incidents
Milwaukee, January 2016
The Christian Civil Liberties Union opposed a planned mosque on the ground that “there’s going to be . . . bloodshed one of these years coming up.”
Sources:
http://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/planned-mosque-faces-opposition
Wilson, May 2010
A new mosque was vandalized shortly after it opened following a long anti-Mosque campaign conducted by local residents.
Sources:
www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100505-sheboygan-muslims,0,4795698.story
www.wtaq.com/blogs/post/jbader/2010/jun/11/sheboygan-mosque-already-vandalized
www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100308-mosque-controversy,0,3267768.story
www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2011842,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopularemail
www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/94019264.html
www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100517-mosque-decision,0,2329452.story
www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100518-mosque-folo,0,4253936.story
Green Bay, August 2010
Opponents of a proposed mosque, including city council members, made a number of anti-Muslim remarks.
Sources:
www.sheboyganpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20108180478
www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/green-bay-council-to-review-mosque-plans
www.wfrv.com/news/local/Mosque-gets-approval-in-Green-Bay-100959029.html
www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100818/GPG0101/8180478/Green-Bay-OKs-Velp-Avenue-site-for-mosque
West Virginia
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Princeton, December 2013
Vandals sprayed in bright red paint "pedophile," the number "666," and other anti-Muslim slurs on the building for the Islamic Society of the Appalachian Region.
Sources:
http://www.bdtonline.com/news/local_news/vandals-defile-islamic-society-of-the-appalachian-region-center/article_a8e08cb5-c5bd-5ab8-a448-f915ae16513b.html
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/3/10/west-virginia-debatesahatecrime.html
Wyoming
1 or 2 anti-mosque incidents
Gillette, November 2015
A resident organized a Facebook page against Islam and confronted those attending Friday prayer at the town’s first mosque. Members of the Facebook group have threatened to throw bacon at the mosque.
Sources:
http://wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/gillettes-first-mosque-draws-anti-refugee-anger