In Wake of Three Incidents of Vandalism, Muslim Community of Adelanto Hopes For Healing

June 30, 2005

Source: Daily Press

http://www.vvdailypress.com/2005/112013682018434.html

On June 30, 2005 the Daily Press reported, "On June 3 the [United Islamic Youth Organization's mosque in north Adelanto] was burned to the ground � arson is suspected. On June 19 two teenagers, 18 and 16 years old, were arrested for suspicion of shooting at buildings on the grounds and re-igniting the remnants of the leveled mosque. Local authorities, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have not determined the June 3 arson to be a hate crime, but continue to investigate. The ATF is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. On Wednesday members of the local Muslim community plus county and federal law enforcement officials gathered at the site of the mosque to show a united front against hate and terrorism. The event also marked the kickoff of a fund-raising drive to rebuild the mosque... Muslims hope to raise enough funds to rebuild the 2,100-square-foot mosque. It used to serve a cemetery where more than 600 are buried. For now local Muslims are holding their regular Friday prayer services at a mosque in Victorville."