A New Jersey resident has admitted guilt in a federal hate crime case involving the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University. The man, Jacob Beacher, confessed to breaking into the facility and causing damage during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented on the case, stating, “This defendant is being held accountable for Islamophobic-fueled acts of hate, interfering with the religious freedom of university students and staff during a sacred holiday for those of the Islamic faith.” She emphasized that such hate crimes are unacceptable and affirmed the department's commitment to protecting religious freedoms.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for New Jersey remarked on Beacher's actions: “Jacob Beacher admitted he intentionally broke into the Center for Islamic Life during the holy Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaged and destroyed religious artifacts because of the Islamic faith of those associated with the facility.” He assured that his office will not tolerate intimidation against individuals practicing their religion.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado from the FBI Newark Field Office detailed their response to the incident: “When we learned of this vandalism back in April, we immediately engaged with our law enforcement partners and Rutgers University. Within days, we tracked down and arrested Beacher.”
Court documents reveal that on April 10, around 2:39 a.m., video footage captured Beacher approaching CILRU's rear door. By 2:41 a.m., he had forcibly entered by breaking glass and unlatching a deadbolt lock. Inside, he caused damage to property including religious artifacts like Turbah prayer stones and items containing Qur'anic language. Additionally, Beacher stole a Palestinian flag and charity box from CILRU.
Beacher now faces up to three years in prison with sentencing yet to be scheduled. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including FBI Newark Field Office, New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Rutgers University Police Department-New Brunswick Division, and New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.
Prosecutors Benjamin Levin and R. Joseph Gribko from New Jersey along with Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are handling prosecution duties.