Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
Matt Sepic
Minneapolis

Vandals target Islamic center site 8 times in 6 weeks

boy in empty building appears in security image
In a security image captured on June 29, a boy can be seen inside a former Bremer Bank branch that's slated to become a youth-focused Islamic center.
Screenshot via video

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Twin Cities Muslim leaders are calling for a hate crime investigation after vandals targeted the site of a new Islamic center eight times since late May.

Security camera images released Wednesday by the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations show a group of boys breaking into the Tibyan Center in St. Anthony, which is set to open later this year in a former bank building.

CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said in a phone interview with MPR News that the suspects first broke in May 29 and sprayed fire extinguishers inside, then returned four times in June and three more times in July. The most recent break-in happened on Tuesday.

Hussein said that the building had been empty for about a year, but the vandalism started only after the city publicized plans for the property as part of the permitting process.

“All of the sudden in May, there’s a public notice that goes out into the community about the potential use for this facility,” Hussein said. “Then all the sudden here comes this string of attacks, and they haven’t decreased.”

Hussein added that St. Anthony police have been responsive but have not been able to identify the suspects.

Damage to the building, which was previously a Bremer Bank branch, is estimated to be more than $20,000. Hussein said that the property is slated to become the new headquarters of the Tibyan Center, now based in Minneapolis.

The organization, which focuses on Islamic education for youth, has sponsored two international Quran memorization competitions.