Burlington Mosque Uses Messages Of Love To Fight Vandalism

BURLINGTON (CBS) - A Burlington mosque that was the target of graffiti by vandals on Sunday invited community members to write their own messages of love and patriotism on the exterior of the building.

On Wednesday, dozens of people, including different faith leaders, gathered outside the Islamic Center of Burlington. They wrote messages such as "We love U.S.A" and, "Home of the Free" on white poster paper taped to the same wall where police said vandals repeatedly spray-painted "USA".

"By writing that they're trying to scare us away but that just makes us so much stronger," member Mana Abdala said.

Burlington police were called to the Islamic Center on Sunday where they found the vandalism and several smashed eggs that were thrown at the building.

Authorities announced the arrest of two 18-year-old men in connection with the vandalism on Monday afternoon.

Burlington residents Cameron Cappella and Derrik Demone have been charged with felony counts of malicious destruction of property and tagging property. They were drinking before spray-painting the building, police say.

One woman who claims to be a former relative of Demone said she was surprised by news of his arrest.

"Very nice boy. Never got in trouble in school. Never got into any of the drugs or anything," Judy Demone said. "I just can't believe something like this happened."

Police said they arrested the suspects late Monday morning thanks to tips from the community.

In a press conference on Monday, Police Chief Michael Kent said the vandalism was, "a cowardly act by individuals who masked themselves to create disorder in fear in targeting a house of worship."

"We were able to quickly close this shameful case involving a hate crime in our community," he added. "This behavior is not tolerated in town and the suspects will be held responsible for their actions."

Surveillance footage from outside the Islamic Center captured two masked men near the building around the time it was vandalized. Police say a detective recognized the car in the video, and the men. A third person stayed in a white Ford Crown Victoria. As of Monday afternoon, no charges had been brought against that individual.

"They were not afraid of being caught in the cameras," said Munir Gandeva, the Islamic Center of Burlington's president and founder. "It is very serious."

Worshipers were inside the mosque when it was vandalized. The Council on American-Islamic Relations in Massachusetts says it will be asking the FBI to investigate. The Anti-Defamation League of New England put out a statement thanking police for taking the vandalism seriously and making quick arrests.

"There is nothing patriotic about attacking Muslims," the League said. "People of all faiths are entitled to worship without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence."