Police trust two people threw something similar to a Molotov cocktail On the sacred crescent-shaped symbol of the Masjid Fatima al-Zahra Mosque.
Imam Ahmad Ibrahim said, “I hear an explosion like there is no tomorrow, very loudly.” “I turn to the window and I found a crescent in a flame, a big flame.”
Police have determined that an “ignited device” was either placed over a religious sign or thrown at the Lake Shore Road property.
“It’s very sad,” Ibrahim said. “Hopefully, he’s caught. Hopefully, he gets what he deserves. Hopefully, he explains why he did it.”
Ibrahim said the mosque was opened three years ago and religious leaders had moonlighted the celebrations of Ramadan in April.
Suffolk County Police Hate Crime Unit and Arson Section detectives are investigating the incident.
“I am disappointed,” Suffolk County Police Chief Rodney Harrison said. “Hate crimes against the Muslim Islamic community are a hate crime against all Suffolk County residents, and it is something that everyone should be angry about.”
Governor Kathy Hochul met the faith leaders on Thursday morning.
“(These acts) will continue, but we will continue to rise later,” she said. “I can’t stop hatred in someone’s heart, but I can make strict laws.”
The firebombing took place on Saturday, the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
“The bottom line is that this community is united and stronger than before,” Hochul said. “That’s what this criminal accomplished.”
Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison also had a message for the suspects.
“I want to make sure it’s very, very clear,” he said. “We know who you are. We know who the culprit is. We know you were setting off fireworks in the parking lot. We know you sprinkled and came here and put the device under the crescent. Either way Put yourself in, or we’ll come to pick you up and lock you up.”
The mosque building was not damaged, and no one was injured.
“As American Muslims, we are very proud of the 4th of July,” said Hassan Ahmed of the Suffolk County Anti-Bias Council. “To commit a hate crime on a mosque that is a place of worship for peace must be unacceptable.”
Detectives are asking anyone in the area to call the police, including Lieutenant Michael Murphy Memorial Park, between 10 p.m. and midnight on July 3.
Anyone with information about the incident may contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS. www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
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