Suspect Behind Anti-Islamic Graffiti Sought In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities are asking for help identifying a man seen scrawling words of hate on the Islamic Center of Southern California's Koreatown building Easter morning.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the man used a permanent marker to vandalize the building at 434 S. Vermont Ave. just after 12:30 a.m. Easter morning.

The Islamic Center of Southern California quickly denounced the act on social media.

"This hate crime is a reminder that we must stand together locally and internationally as a community against all forms of hate, bigotry, and violence. We must remain vigilant and work towards creating a society that is inclusive, tolerant, and respects the beliefs and traditions of all communities," center officials wrote.

Police released a blurry security image in hopes that someone would recognize the suspect.

"The suspect used permanent marker to write anti-Islamic hate words on the property of a religious center and fled the location northbound on Vermont Avenue," according to the LAPD.

Detectives described him as being between 40 and 50 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, wearing all-black clothes including a beanie, jacket, shirt with an indecipherable design on the front.

"We are deeply saddened and disturbed to announce that a hate crime against the Muslim Community at the Islamic Center of Southern California occurred early this morning on Easter Sunday in Los Angeles. This is an appalling act of vandalism targeting the center where innocent individuals gather for their daily religious observances," the Islamic Center of Southern California added.

"The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating this odious crime and are working closely with leaders from the ICSC to gather all the necessary information to bring the perpetrators to justice. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to call detectives at the LAPD Olympic Station at 213-382-9466 or the watch commander at 213-382-9110 after hours.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.