Suffolk County Executive Romaine vows accountability after mosque construction site vandalism
SHIRLEY, Long Island (WABC) -- Suffolk County police are investigating vandalism at the future site of the Islamic Center of Mastic-Shirley after a hateful message was spray-painted on a banner outside the property.
According to Suffolk County police, the graffiti was discovered Saturday and reported through a 911 call shortly before 4 p.m. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred between 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.
The incident took place at the site of a new mosque under construction in Shirley. Community leaders gathered Monday to condemn the vandalism and pledge support for efforts to identify those responsible.
Ground was broken at the site about two months ago. The mosque is expected to become Long Island's second-largest Islamic center, according to community leaders.
Officials and those involved with the project described the vandalism as a disturbing act of hatred.
"We are going to pursue the people responsible for this and hold them accountable," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. "Because religious intolerance and hate is not going to be accepted in SC under any circumstances."
The Suffolk County Police Department's Hate Crimes Unit is investigating.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism or who has information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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