No Arrests In Rutgers Muslim Student Center Vandalism

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — As the state and FBI investigate the break-in and vandalism that occurred at a Muslim student center at Rutgers last week, the official word from New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin is there are no new updates on the case.

However, Atiya Aftab, director of the Rutgers Center for Islamic Life, exclusively told Patch Tuesday: "I understand they've identified one or more people of interest. We rent our building from Rutgers University and there are obviously lots of security cameras everywhere on campus. I know they're in the process of combing through video."

Aftab said when she asked who the suspects are or what they look like, law enforcement officers said they are not at liberty to tell her at this time. To date, no criminal charges have been filed.

This was the incident where someone used force to break into the Muslim student center on College Avenue at about 4:30 a.m. last Wednesday, April 10. The break-in happened on Eid, marking the end of Ramadan and is the most holy of all Muslim holidays. Inside the center, the suspect or suspects shattered windows, smashed two flat-screen TVs, smashed a printer, tore artwork containing Quran verses down from the walls and broke them in half, and also stole a Palestinian flag.

Attorney General Platkin and Rutgers Police are investigating this as a bias/hate crime against Muslims.

"I've had several calls with the FBI and AG's office," said Aftab. "And I know the New Jersey State Police and the Middlesex County prosecutor's office are also working on the case. I do appreciate all the different law enforcement agencies working on this, and I know they're in the process of gathering information."

Rutgers Jewish Hillel offered support to Muslim Center

In the week since the break-in, Aftab said her center "appreciates all the words of support."

She said immediately after the vandalism happened, she received texts, phone calls and emails from religious leaders on campus, including Rutgers Christian chaplains and the rabbi at the Rutgers Hillel, the Jewish student center. Many people have dropped off flowers and balloons outside the center, and she said one of those bouquets came from Hillel students, who left a card.

"They said they were devastated and disgusted to hear the news, and offered words of support and kindness, which I appreciate," she said. "We've also gotten letters of support from a number of Rutgers Jewish faculty members."

This is notable because Aftab speculates the vandalism was done because her center has publicly called to end Israel's war in Gaza.

"I don't think it can be anything beside that," she said last week, noting that the Palestinian flag was the only thing actually stolen from the building. "We believe in a political solution, not a military solution. We are standing up for the 40,000 people who have been massacred."

Aftab said she "was moved by the number of people present" at a press conference her group held April 11 outside the center. Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Platkin all did not attend, but Aftab said there were university deans and many students in attendance. Here's coverage from the press conference.

Aftab said ever since last week's break-in, there has been Rutgers Police officers or a patrol car stationed outside the Muslim student center daily.

"I've also been told RUPD plainclothes officers are monitoring us," she said. "I am concerned about the safety of myself in the building, and the safety of students. We just reopened for student meetings and classes yesterday. The students celebrated by bringing in desserts. Their attitude is: This is our space. We have a right and deserve to be here, and we will get through this."

This video, provided by the center, shows the damage:

See all the photos from the damage at the center: Rutgers Center For Islamic Life Vandalized; Palestinian Flag Stolen (April 10)