U of M Police Release Images of Suspect in Anti-Muslim Vandalism Case

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The University of Minnesota police have released images of a suspect in the vandalism case involving the Muslim Student Association's panel on the Washington Avenue Bridge. On Thursday at 3:45 a.m., police say the suspect spray painted the word "ISIS" on MSA's display panel on the interior of the bridge.

On Thursday, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) called for a hate crime investigation of the vandalism.

"University administrators and state religious and political leaders must speak out forcefully against the rising anti-Muslim hate in our society that results in such disturbing incidents," CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said in a statement.

"We urge campus police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident as a hate crime."

At the request of the Muslim Students Association, the defaced panel was painted over.

In an email to students, University of Minnesota president Eric Kaler condemned the vandlism, saying that, "When our students are targeted and made to feel fearful, we as a community suffer. Repugnant actions like these must strengthen our resolve to ensure our campus is safe, welcoming, and respectful for all. We all must speak out against hate when we see it."

Authorities ask that if you have information about the case to contact UMPD at (612) 624-COPS.

The incident Thursday marks the second time in about a month that a panel on the Washington Avenue Bridge has seen racially charged vandalism.

A panel with the pro-Donald Trump message "Build the Wall," painted by the University of Minnesota College Republicans, was vandalized in October.

Each year, the university hosts a "Paint the Bridge" event, which gives an opportunity for registered student groups and university departments to promote themselves by painting a panel on the Washington Avenue Bridge.

One panel reading, "Build The Wall," and another reading, "TRUMP PENCE 2016," were vandalized, painted over by the words "Stop White Supremacy."

Image via University of Minnesota Police