SAN FRANCISCO – A man accused of using a skateboard to vandalize a San Francisco mosque pleaded not guilty Friday as his attorney denied hate crime allegations.

The court appearance by Robert Gray, 35, in San Francisco Superior Court came shortly after supporters rallied outside the mosque, denouncing what they called a clear case of anti-Muslim hate.

Community Support and Solidarity

Mosque Imam Mohammed Alnuzaili expressed gratitude for the community support during the incident, stating, It makes me feel reassured that people care. I can only say it speaks volumes that so many people of different ethnicities and such a diverse community come together to basically show solidarity. The vandalism occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, adding a significant emotional weight to the incident.

Repeat Vandalism Incidents

San Francisco police revealed that Gray was captured on video using his skateboard to break windows at Masjid Al-Tawheed mosque at Polk and Sutter streets on April 4. Assistant Police Chief David Lazar stated, He was armed with what I’m saying is a skateboard, describing the act as damaging and vandalizing the mosque before fleeing the scene.

Gray returned to the mosque five days later, prompting concerns about the security of the place of worship. Lazar highlighted the collaborative effort between the community and law enforcement, leading to Gray’s arrest the following day.

Legal Proceedings

Gray pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism and a hate crime, with prosecutors indicating his prior fixation on the mosque and his criminal record. Despite his attorney’s argument for reasonable bail, citing no physical harm caused during the incident, the judge denied bail, noting Gray’s escalating criminal behavior.

Gray’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jack Lamar Jr., refuted the hate crime allegations, stating, We don’t believe there’s any indication that there’s a hate crime at all. Lamar emphasized the absence of evidence supporting hateful statements made by his client during the incident.

Community Response

Supporters of the mosque, including Hala Hijazi of the Interfaith Council and Assemblymember Matt Haney, condemned the act as a blatant display of hate against a religious institution and its community members.

Conclusion: Stand Against Hate

The vandalism of Masjid Al-Tawheed mosque in San Francisco underscores the importance of standing together against acts of hate and discrimination. The solidarity shown by the community highlights the resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

Henry Lee, a KTVU crime reporter, contributed to this report. You can reach him via email at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan.

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