FBI, West Warwick PD Seek Unknown Suspect in Islamic School Vandalism

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Warwick Police Department are asking the public for help in identifying what appears to be an unknown male, suspected of vandalizing the Islamic School of Rhode Island in West Warwick with anti-Muslim graffiti.

On February 15, 2015, West Warwick Police dispatched a patrolman to the school, located at 840 Providence Street, after the school was vandalized with obscene and offensive graffiti. The hateful messages were located on two sides of the building. The spray paint was bright orange in color and found by a community member who was hosting prayer services in the school.

Below are enhanced surveillance photos of the unknown suspect.

The vandalism is likely to have occurred between Friday night (February 13, 2015) at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday morning, (February 15, 2015) at 7:30 a.m.

The FBI, West Warwick, RI Police Department and West Warwick Town Council are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for this vandalism.

Shortly after the discovery, the FBI’s Boston Division opened a civil rights investigation into the matter and that investigation remains ongoing. “We take our duty to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans are not violated to heart,” said Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge. “The FBI hopes this reward will be an incentive for those with information about the identity of the suspect involved in this incident to come forward and share that information with us.”

“West Warwick Police hopes the public will be able to assist us in identifying the individual who is responsible for writing these senseless and hateful comments. We’re asking the public to look at the surveillance images so we can identify the person responsible and bring him to justice,” added Major John F. Magiera.

Anyone with information should call the FBI at 1-401-272-8310 or the West Warwick Police Department at 401-827-9044. Tips can also be submitted electronically at tips.fbi.gov