By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
West Warwick Police are investigating after vandals spray painted derogatory remarks onto the front doors of the Islamic School of Rhode Island over the weekend.
School officials say a lone male individual was seen on security cameras Saturday evening spray painting expletives, calling Muslims pigs, and saying “Now this is a hate crime.”
The school’s Principle Abdelnasser Hussein says federal authorities have also stepped in to help with the investigation.
“The FBI is getting involved and they are cooperating with the local law enforcement authorities in West Warwick,” said Hussein.
Hussein spoke out to Rhode Islanders reminding them that the vandals actions are directed at American children.
“They are Muslims but they are […] American citizens.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, President of the school’s Board of Trustees, Hilmy Bakri said:
“[W]e do believe that this is the work of small minded ignorant person. Someone who does not care about the safety of children or the sanctity of a school. It’s unfortunate that we have this type of evil done by such people; and whoever and where ever they are I hope that they become rightly guided and feel remorse for their action.”
Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin condemned the attack saying he hopes the perpetrator is quickly apprehended.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has also called for a civil rights investigation into the incident.
