Federal and Local Law Enforcement Investigating Recent Vandalism at Places of Worship

Federal and local law enforcement are investigating recent vandalism at places of worship in metro-Detroit, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

Joining McQuade in the announcement was Andrew Arena, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Detroit.

A Sikh gurdwara under construction in Sterling Heights was vandalized with graffiti on February 6. The American Moslem Bekka Center in Dearborn was vandalized with graffiti on February 13. A federal hate crimes statute makes it a crime to deface or destroy places of religious worship.

“We view these attacks as hate crimes, and we want to assure the public that we are investigating them vigorously,” McQuade said. “All residents of Michigan should feel safe from attack on their places of worship.”

Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena, stated, “Hate crimes such as these represent a strong threat to our society and the FBI will remain relentless in the pursuit of these criminals.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact the FBI at 313-965-2323.