Suffolk Police Investigating Graffiti At Islamic Center In Mastic As Hate Crime

SHIRLEY, NY — Detectives from Suffolk's Hate Crimes Unit are investigating after graffiti was found at a construction site for the Islamic Center of Mastic-Shirley on Saturday, a police spokesperson said.

The graffiti was found on a banner located at the future site of the center, which is on William Floyd Parkway, according to police.

It was reported by a 911 caller on Sunday at around 3:45 p.m., police said.

At the construction site, piles of dirt can be seen from workers digging the foundation. Once complete, the site will give way to a mosque, community center, and parking lot.

It is cordoned off with fencing that features several American flags and several banners with the words, "New Mosque, coming soon! Where faith and community come together."

One of the leaders of the mosque, Imam Mehdad Islam, told Newsday he was disappointed by the graffiti, but not deterred in moving forward, adding. "We’re not being intimidated. We’re doing the right thing. We’re going to continue building."

In a statement to the outlet, County Executive Ed Romaine condemned the incident, calling the graffiti "deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable."

"There is no place for hate, intimidation or discrimination in Suffolk County," he said. We are a county that respects people of all faiths and backgrounds, and acts of hate will not be tolerated."

Romaine is expected to join the local community at a rally against hate on Monday.

Patch has reached out to Romaine's office.

The rally is set to kick off at 10:30 a.m.

This is a breaking story and will be updated. Check back later.