A 15-foot crescent moon sculpture built by students to mark Ramadan was found torn apart on Tempe’s A Mountain, turning what was meant to be a symbol of faith and celebration into the center of a police investigation. The installation, set atop Hayden Butte, was discovered destroyed on March 17, leaving community members shaken as city leaders blasted the act as unacceptable and officers appealed for tips and video that could point to whoever is responsible.
Police launch probe
Tempe police have opened a vandalism investigation and say the crescent moon display was found heavily damaged on the butte, with the loss estimated at about $20,000, according to 12News. The temporary structure was created by a student group to honor the start of Ramadan. Officers report they are canvassing the area, looking for witnesses and any available surveillance footage that could help identify potential suspects.
Tip line and reward
The Arizona Silent Witness program is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest or indictment in the case, according to Arizona Silent Witness. Tipsters can call 480-948-6377 or submit information anonymously through the program’s website and app. Officials say they are counting on the combination of anonymity and cash incentive to persuade anyone with video or other leads to come forward.
City condemns this kind of hate
In a statement to 12News, the City of Tempe denounced the destruction, saying, “there is no place in our community for this kind of hate. People of all faiths are welcome in Tempe and they have the right to feel safe and be safe.” City officials also pointed out that religious symbols from other faith traditions have been displayed on the butte in the past without incident, underscoring how out of bounds this episode feels to local leaders.
A Mountain’s fragile history
Hayden Butte, commonly called A Mountain, is a protected preserve that contains Hohokam rock art and other cultural resources, and the city warns that damage to those features cannot be undone, according to City of Tempe records. The site has long been a focal point for campus rituals as well as the occasional prank or act of vandalism. The concrete “A” that dominates the hillside today had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed in 1952, per historical information on Wikipedia. Preservation rules and related penalties apply to the area, intensifying concern over the scope of the latest damage.
How to help
Police have not announced any arrests and say the investigation remains active. Anyone with photos, video or other information connected to the vandalism is urged to call the Arizona Silent Witness tip line at 480-948-6377 or submit a tip through Arizona Silent Witness. Tips can remain anonymous and may qualify for the reward. Tempe police say they will continue coordinating with city staff and community groups as they work to track down whoever destroyed the Ramadan display.
