Last Saturday, leaders at Islah LA, a South Los Angeles mosque, community center and school on Slauson Avenue, say someone scrawled hateful graffiti on the building and tried to set a small fire near the entrance. Images the group shared show flames and smoke at the doorway. Islah LA reports that the structure sustained smoke and fire damage but was not destroyed, and the organization has launched a fundraising drive to cover cleanup, repairs and tighter security as Ramadan draws near.
In a Feb. 7 post on social media, Islah LA said vandals had “defaced” the center and tried to set the building on fire, urging supporters to “stand strong against hate” while promoting an online fundraiser for cleanup, repairs and added security. That account, along with images showing flames near the entrance, was reported by KTLA, and Islah LA describes itself on its website as a masjid, community center and Islamic school serving South L.A.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath publicly condemned the vandalism on X, writing “Hate has no place in Los Angeles County,” according to KTLA. Other local leaders and faith communities have echoed calls for calm and for stronger protection of houses of worship in the aftermath of the incident.
What Islah LA Does
Islah LA operates a mosque, community center and Islamic school in the Slauson/Crenshaw area, and it also runs a weekly food pantry and supportive-housing programs. The organization says it has served South Los Angeles for years, and it lists its programs and contact information on the Islah LA site.
Police Response And Legal Stakes
Islah LA reports that the building suffered smoke and fire damage but was not destroyed. Under California law, intentionally setting a structure on fire is considered arson and can be charged as a felony under Penal Code 451. If prosecutors can show that an underlying crime was motivated by bias, they can seek added penalties under Penal Code 422.75.
Broader Context
Advocates and civil-rights organizations say incidents like this reflect a broader pattern of attacks on Muslim institutions that has pushed many centers to step up security measures. Reporting by the Associated Press has documented how mosques nationwide have responded to vandalism and threats by investing in surveillance and security. Statements from CAIR-LA note that similar cases have prompted formal investigations and increased protection for houses of worship.
How To Help And What Comes Next
Islah LA has directed supporters to an online fundraiser to help pay for graffiti removal, building repairs and security upgrades; its Islah LA donation page lists ways to contribute. Community leaders say they plan to monitor developments in the investigation and continue working with interfaith partners to support the center’s recovery.
