Hate Graffiti Sprayed on Burned Colombia, Tennessee, Mosque, 3 Arrested and Charged

Hate Graffiti Sprayed on Burned Colombia, Tennessee, Mosque, 3 Arrested and Charged

February 16, 2008

HATE GRAFFITI SPRAYED ON BURNED TENN. MOSQUE CAIR asks FBI to probe incident as possible hate crime

On February 9, 2008, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on the FBI and Tennessee law enforcement authorities to investigate a fire and hate graffiti at a mosque in that state as a possible bias-motivated crime.

An official of the Islamic Center of Columbia told CAIR that the fire was discovered Saturday morning and “pretty much destroyed” the mosque. Several Nazi swastikas and the phrases “white power” and “we run the world” were sprayed on the outside walls of the mosque. The center had been clearly identified as a mosque. Local, state and federal investigators are at the scene.

The Islamic Center of Columbia is located about 45 minutes south of Nashville, Tenn.

“We urge the FBI to add its resources to those of local and state authorities in this investigation,” CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Whenever there is hate graffiti of this type, the possibility of a bias motive should be explored.”

Because of similar incidents nationwide, the Washington-based civil rights and advocacy group is urging Muslim individuals and institutions to review security procedures using advice contained in the “CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit

TN: Mosque Arsonists Part of ‘Christian Identity’ Movement

Three men have been charged in the firebombing of a small mosque over the weekend, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.

Authorities said Eric Ian Baker, 32, Michael Corey Golden, 23, and Jonathan Edward Stone, 19, had planned for a week to burn down the Islamic Center of Columbia, about 40 miles southwest of Nashville, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul O'Brian said.

The men are accused of using gasoline, rags and empty beer bottles to set fire to the storefront mosque on Saturday. The men, who were arrested later that day, are facing federal charges of unlawful possession of a destructive device and state charges of arson.

The federal complaint filed against the men says Stone and Baker told officers they were members of the Christian Identity movement, an extreme doctrine that claims white Europeans are God's chosen people.

The complaint also said Baker spray-painted swastikas on the walls of the building, including the phrase "White Power."

When asked if the men could face hate-crime charges, O'Brian said the investigation is continuing and more federal charges could be filed.

Police used surveillance video from a local gas station to identify the suspects.

According to the complaint, Stone said he earned "two stripes" for the act from Baker, who was described as his sponsor in the movement.

"Stone admitted to special agents that he is a member of the Christian Identity movement and that stripes or promotions are earned for committing acts of violence against 'enemies,'" the complaint said.

"Baker explained to the special agents that 'What goes on in that building is illegal according to the Bible,'" the complaint says. "Baker also explained to the agents that the Nazi symbols painted on the building meant 'freedom on the streets.'"

TN: Churches Help Rebuild Burned Mosque

Churches in Maury County are opening their doors and wallets to come to the aid of a mosque that burned over the weekend.

Channel 4's news partners at the Columbia Daily Herald report that one church has already raised $10,000 to help rebuild the Islamic Center of Columbia.

At least three others have offered the center space to conduct prayers.

Residents can also donate money to the Islamic Center of Columbia Building Fund at Community First Bank and Trust.

Three men face federal charges in connection with setting fire to the mosque.

Authorities said Eric Ian Baker, Michael Corey Golden and Jonathan Edwards Stone, all of Columbia, had planned for a week to burn down the Islamic Center of Columbia, which was located in a storefront.

TN: Fund Established to Rebuild Burned Mosque

A grass roots effort to show respect and care for Muslims in America

Arsonists Destroy Mosque in Columbia, TN At 5 AM on Saturday, February 9, a modest cinder block building that Moslems in the town of Columbia, Tennessee had converted into a Mosque was destroyed by fire. Swastikas and slogans such as "white power rules" were spray-painted on the smoldering walls when fire fighters arrived.

How you can help rebuild the Columbia Mosque:

Send a tax-deductible donation to help repair the Mosque.

Checks should be made out to:

The Islamic Center of Columbia, Tennessee

and mailed to this address:

Islamic Center Rebuilding Project

c/o Community First Bank & Trust

501 So. James Campbell Blvd

Columbia, TN 38401

The Islamic Center of Columbia Tennessee has received its 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS.

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CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Strategic Communications Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, E-Mail: arehab@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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