LAPD searching for man accused of defacing Islamic Center in Koreatown: 'We must remain vigilant'

Islamic Center in Koreatown defaced

The suspect was seen on surveillance footage using a permanent marker to write anti-Islamic messaging on the building.

LOS ANGELES - Police are searching for a man they say defaced a religious center in Koreatown with anti-Islamic hate messages Sunday.

The incident happened at the Islamic Center of Southern California on Vermont Avenue just after midnight Sunday morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"This hate crime is a reminder that we must stand together locally and internationally as a community against all forms of hate, bigotry, and violence. We must remain vigilant and work towards creating a society that is inclusive, tolerant, and respects the beliefs and traditions of all communities," the Islamic Center of Southern California said in a statement.

Police said a man seen on surveillance video wearing a black hoodie, black beanie and black graphic T-shirt used a permanent marker to write anti-Islamic hate words on the property of the Islamic center before heading off westbound on Vermont.

Sunday falls in the middle of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

LAPD investigators are working with businesses in the area to gather surveillance footage.

"We’ll solve this crime, but the bigger problem is solving this issue of hate," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said. "This is a city of inclusion."

The suspect police are looking for is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 180 pounds, and police said he's between 40 and 50 years old. Anyone with information about the graffiti was asked to call detectives at 213-382-9466 or 213-382-9440.

Koreatown Los Angeles Crime and Public Safety