FBI investigating vandalism at Moorhead Mosque

MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) -

Update 7:55 P.M.

The cities of Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Dilworth and Moorhead put out a unified statement, denouncing the criminal acts that took place Saturday night.

“Those criminal actions are completely contradictory to the values of tolerance, respect and acceptance we embrace in all of our communities. The vandalism was a heinous act of hate attacking the center during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.” said the cities in a join-statement.

“Well what I want to say is that hate has no home in Moorhead. This is unacceptable, this is not ok, this is not what our community is about. This is something is going to not make our community weak, but make our community stronger.” said Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson.

Moorhead Police Dept. and the FBI are in the midst of an investigation, with one suspect they are looking for.

“So such individual as I’ve said, please come show yourself, don’t oppress in darkness. Come in light and let us talk.” said Ademola Hammed of the Moorhead Fargo Islamic Center.

A Facebook page and a GoFundMe page has been set for the clean-up efforts and over $21,000 have been raised to help the center. The clean-up is slated for 1 P.M. on Monday at the center in Moorhead.

An investigation is underway after hate-related graffiti was found at the Moorhead Fargo Islamic Center Mosque.

Moorhead Police were dispatched just before 5:30 a.m. Sunday to 2215 12th Avenue South for a report of vandalism. Officers found hate messages directed toward the Islamic faith spray painted on several areas on the outside of the building.

Video surveillance captured images of a suspect wearing a camouflage jacket and dark ski mask.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Red River Dispatch Center at 701-451-7660 and ask to speak with the on-duty Moorhead Police supervisor.

The Moorhead Police Department Patrol and Investigative units are being assisted by the Fargo Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Authorities say the investigation is very active at this time. The Moorhead Police will provide updates when available.

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