Grand Junction mosque vandalized

The Grand Junction Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who vandalized a sign at the Islamic Center of Grand Junction and damaged landscaping around it.

The center is also known as the Two Rivers Mosque.

Surveillance footage shows a man wearing a cap Tuesday night walking in the area with his car parked nearby, and the agency is circulating photos from the footage, hoping someone will be able to identify him.

Detectives believe the sign was vandalized at about 11 p.m., said police spokeswoman Heidi Davidson. The suspect also damaged some planters and pulled out some flowers around the sign.

Police are investigating the incident as defacing of property and criminal mischief, Davidson said.

After a suspect is identified and more information is available, investigators may pursue additional charges.

The center’s name on the sign was covered in scribbles.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling on the police department to investigate the vandalism as a targeted hate crime against Muslims.

“Because houses of worship nationwide are increasingly targeted by hate, we urge law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this vandalism and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” CAIR-Colorado acting board chairwoman Krista Cole said in a statement. “People of all faiths should be able to gather and pray without fear of intimidation or attack.”