The vandals painted profanity and anti-Islamic messages in red on the building.
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The Islamic Center on River Road was vandalized on Sept.16.
Muhammad Babar, a member of the congregation and spokesman for the center, said members have been on alert since last week, when someone ripped apart the Quran in front of the Muslim Community Center of Louisville.
At least 50 people gathered at the Louisville Islamic Center following vandalism.
Mayor Greg Fischer met with members of the Islamic Faith as they denounce the acts and work to paint over the graffiti.
“An act like this will not be tolerated in this community”, Fischer told a news conference outside the center.
Babar said members of the congregation are “obviously hurt” by the vandalism, but he hopes the incident serves as a learning experience for the community.
A message left with the center was not immediately returned, nor was a message left with the Indian Hills Police Department, which is investigating the incident.
On Friday, the mayor will lead a community effort to clean up the mosque. “It is not just an act against one faith, the Muslim faith”.
Louisville Police Chief Steve Conrad told reporters Thursday that the FBI is investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Barbar had this message for whoever is responsible: “We hold no grudge against the individual, or the individuals, who wounded the sanctity of this sacred place and house of God and we have nothing but forgiveness and prayers for them”.
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Community leaders say tragic events like this only bring the community closer.
