Video Vault: Shirley Mosque Vandalism Sparks Hate Crime Probe

South Shore Press reporters Stefan Mychajliw and Robert Chartuk discussed the investigation into anti-Muslim vandalism at the future home of the Islamic Center of Mastic-Shirley on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. Suffolk County officials have condemned the vandalism, while police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Mychajliw: What happened at the site?

Chartuk: There’s a new mosque under construction on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, and one of the signs was defaced with anti-Muslim vandalism. That sparked a response from local officials led by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. They held a press conference at the site and said religious intolerance has no place in Suffolk County.

Mychajliw: Is the Muslim community growing in this area?

Chartuk: The Muslim community has been in Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven for quite a while. The congregation was practicing across the street from the new mosque in a smaller building that it outgrew. Now they’re building a substantial new complex that will include a community basketball court.

There are other proposed or approved projects across Long Island, including cemeteries and mosque expansions. It appears there is a growing Muslim population, and they’re building facilities to accommodate that population.

Mychajliw: What is the status of the investigation? Have there been any arrests?

Chartuk: Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and are looking for tips. County Comptroller John Kennedy and several legislators also attended the press conference. The vandalism has since been removed, but the investigation continues.

Mychajliw: What did you see when you visited the property?

Chartuk: The vandalism was cleaned up and construction was underway. I attended the original Brookhaven public hearing. The opposition I heard came from four nearby residents concerned about parking and additional traffic. I didn’t hear anti-Muslim sentiment at that hearing.