Swift Response to Pro-Israel Vandalism Targeting Utah Mosque Hailed

IQNA – The swift police response following an act of vandalism against a mosque in Utah has been lauded.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Tuesday welcomed investigations by the FBI and local police into a reported incident of pro-genocide vandalism targeting the mosque. 

On June 1, a white male suspect was caught on video approaching the mosque at night and vandalizing Masjid Al Noor in Salt Lake City. The suspect is seen approaching the front entrance of the mosque, attaching an Israeli and an American flag to the front entrance, and returning multiple times to further attach it to the house of worship.

The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) and the FBI were reportedly able to identify a suspect and interview him.

“We welcome the swift response of the FBI and local police to this apparent attempt by a pro-Israel, pro-genocide extremist to intimidate the congregation of a Utah mosque,” said CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “The man who allegedly committed this cowardly act must be arrested before his criminal conduct escalates into the sort of violence we have seen directed at Muslims, Palestinians and others over the past year, from stabbings to shootings to car ramming. Despite such harassment, the American Muslim community and many Americans of all backgrounds plan to continue speaking out against Injustice and oppression everywhere.”

CAIR is urging community and mosque leaders to use advice offered in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.

Last Month, the Austin chapter of CAIR (CAIR-Austin), along with representatives of three mosques vandalized with Stars of David, held a news conference condemning the hateful actions against the houses of worship and inviting public for a community gathering of solidarity and mutual respect.

On May 22, Nueces mosque that mainly serves UT Austin students, the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association, and Austin Diyanet Center experienced coward vandalism. Security videos showed a white male covering his face spray-painting the entrance doors, fences, gates, and billboards.

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.

Source: Cair.com