Jacob Beecher vandalized Rutgers University’s Center for Islamic Life during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
An American man has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime after breaking into a New Jersey university’s Islamic student center.
Jacob Beecher, 24, broke into the Rutgers University Center for Islamic Life during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in April and damaged property at the site, including several religious artifacts, the U.S. Department of Justice said. It was announced on Thursday.
Beecher also stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box from the center, the Justice Department said.
According to court documents, video surveillance footage shows Beecher approaching the center just after 2:30 a.m. on April 10, after which an intruder, later identified as Beecher, forced his way into the center through a back door. It is said that there was a break-in.
Mr. Beecher was arrested on April 22 and charged with one count of intentional or attempted act of religion and one count of making false statements to federal authorities.
“Islamophobic hate crimes have no place in our society today. We will continue to enforce laws that allow people of all faiths to safely attend religious services, including in educational institutions. ” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark said in a statement.
Beecher could face up to three years in prison.
Human rights groups in the United States and elsewhere have reported a sharp increase in threats and violence against Muslims, Arabs, and Jews since the start of the Gaza war in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. are.
