Three 16 year old boys have been arrested last night and charged in connection with vandalism at the Islamic Center of Delaware.
Associated Press reports that two of the teens have been released on bond and the third is being held on bond at a juvenile facility.
The three were charged with felony criminal mischief over $5,000 and with second degree conspiracy.
Police say two concerned citizens came forward earlier in the day with information about juveniles who might have committed the vandalism.
Damage included the identifying sign of the mosque being knocked down and a white picket fence torn down with its pieces formed into cross.
However, police say that after a thorough investigation with the FBI they did not consider the cross to be proof that the incident was anti-Islamic that would have made it a hate crime.
A digital sign was also damaged by thrown rocks.
The Wilmington News Journalreports that word of the arrests surfaced when around 150 Delaware residents of many faiths showed up for a prayer service at the Islamic Society’s multi-purpose hall to show their support.
Mahamed Allimulla, president of the Islamic Society of Delaware, told the crowd at an interfaith service Monday evening that the incident showed the power of a community to push back against intolerance.
Among the speakers were Jews, Christians and Sihks.
Dignitaries in the audience included Senator Chris Coons and Lt. Gov. Matt Denn.
A pastor from the Westminster Presbyterian Church delivered a $1-thousand check for repairing the damage.
