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Surveillance Video Shows Suspected Mosque Vandals

Posted at 8:59 PM, Jul 14, 2017
and last updated 2018-07-09 22:00:49-04

Investigators released surveillance video of two men vandalizing the Islamic Center in Murfreesboro

Rutherford County detectives said they hope it leads to someone coming forward with information on the crime.

The video was captured on a security camera at the Islamic Center.  Enhanced video surveillance images showed two men spray painting hateful messages on the building and putting bacon by one of the entrances.

Green spray painted messages featuring expletives were found in two places on the building and on the basketball court Monday.  Detectives believe the crime occurred around 3 a.m.

Both men in the video were wearing masks to cover their faces. Detectives said the shorter of the two men is very muscular. He was wearing what appears to be a tight, short-sleeved jumpsuit with a patch on the right shoulder.  He was also wearing dark athletic shoes with reflective tape on the sides.

The second man is taller and has very thick legs. He was wearing a T-shirt, long shorts and boots. Both appear to be in good physical shape.

“What we are hoping is someone who frequents gyms or does combat sports will recognize these guys,” said Det. Sgt. Dan Goodwin with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.  “Someone knows who they are and will recognize them.”

The graffiti at the Islamic Center was removed courtesy of volunteers. There are plans to add six additional security cameras at the building. Twenty cameras are already in use.

Det. Sgt. Goodwin said he has been in touch with the FBI regarding the case.

If you have any information on what happened, or saw anything suspicious in the area Sunday night or Monday morning, you can call Det. Sgt. Goodwin at (615) 904-3034.