SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) — Community members rallied against hate after anti‑Muslim graffiti was found at an under‑construction Islamic center in New York.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and local religious leaders condemned the vandalism during a gathering on Monday at the site of Masjid Umar Bin Khattaab, also known as the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley.
The graffiti, which included an expletive directed at Islam, was found on a banner at 516 William Floyd Parkway, where the new Islamic center is being built. A 911 caller reported the vandalism around 3:43 p.m. Saturday.
Suffolk County police said they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Gov. Kathy Hochul called the graffiti “a vile, disturbing display of hate,” adding that Islamophobia has no place in New York.
State Attorney General Letitia James also condemned the vandalism, saying the graffiti at the Islamic Center of Mastic’s construction site was “unacceptable” and that she will continue fighting “to ensure everyone can live safely in New York.”
Nicole Alarcon is an award-winning digital content producer. She has covered local news for the tri-state area since 2021. She joined PIX11 News in 2026. See more of her work here.