A Phoenix mosque was the scene of an aggravated assault and vandalism in the early hours of March 7, according to Mayor Kate Gallego, who publicly condemned the incident and said she has been in contact with the city’s police chief.
Gallego wrote on X that “hate has no place in our city” as she described the incident as both an aggravated assault and vandalism. As reported by 12News, her brief post did not include information about any suspects or possible injuries.
Police response and investigation
The Phoenix Police Department has been notified and detectives are expected to investigate. According to the department, it maintains a dedicated bias-crimes unit that tracks incidents such as aggravated assault and vandalism and publishes annual summaries of those reports, as outlined by the Phoenix Police Department.
The mayor said city leaders are monitoring the situation while police gather more information. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances of the incident.
How investigators classify bias crimes
Department guidance states that “bias is to be reported only if the investigation reveals sufficient information” to conclude an offender was motivated by bias. In other words, detectives must develop evidence of motive before an incident is formally classified as a hate crime.
The 2024 bias-crimes summary shows Phoenix reported 19 aggravated assaults and 13 destruction, damage, or vandalism incidents last year under its bias-crime tracking.
Legal note
Under Arizona law, aggravated assault is codified at A.R.S. §13-1204 and may be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances and aggravating factors. Prosecutors will determine whether and how to charge anyone after investigators present evidence.
Gallego’s post urged residents to reject hate and to support one another as the investigation moves forward. Officials asked anyone with information to contact the Phoenix Police Department, and said they expect to share additional updates as the case develops, according to 12News.
