New Jersey man faces federal hate crime charges for attack on Rutgers Muslim Center

NEWARK, NJ – A Somerset County man pleaded guilty to committing a federal hate crime by vandalizing a religious center at Rutgers University during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Jacob Beacher, 24, of North Plainfield, admitted in Trenton federal court to breaking into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) on April 10 and causing more than $5,000 in damage to religious artifacts, including Turbah -Prayer stones and objects with sacred content, caused to have texts from the Quran. Beacher also stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box from the center.

“The free exercise of religion is a fundamental right of all Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “Jacob Beacher admitted that he intentionally broke into the Center for Islamic Life during the holy Eid-al-Fitr holiday and damaged and destroyed religious artifacts based on the Islamic beliefs of those associated with the facility.”

Federal authorities classified the act as an Islamophobic crime aimed at impairing the religious freedom of students and teachers. Deputy Attorney General Kristen Clarke noted that the Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting such crimes, adding, “Islamophobic hate crimes have no place in our society today.”

Beacher’s guilty plea came as part of a deal with federal prosecutors who charged him with damaging religious property, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch has scheduled sentencing for February 11, 2025.

The FBI, which assisted in the investigation, said the arrest was made quickly after the vandalism was reported. “Within days, we located and arrested Beacher,” said FBI Newark Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado. “We want our actions and the speed with which we responded to demonstrate our commitment and determination to protect New Jersey houses of worship.”

BALTIMORE — Two separate shootings occurred in Baltimore Thursday afternoon, injuring two people, including a teenager, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

The first incident occurred around 12:22 p.m. in the 3900 block of 10th Street in the South Ward. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a 15-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to his left leg. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he is reportedly in stable condition. Southern District Shooting detectives are leading the investigation.

Shortly thereafter, around 12:30 p.m., a second shooting was reported in the 3500 block of Esther Place in Southeast County. Police discovered a 57-year-old man who had suffered gunshot wounds to his lower extremities. He was also taken to a local hospital where he is in stable condition. The investigation is being carried out by detectives from the southeast district.

Authorities are asking the public for information about both incidents. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Southern District at 410-396-2499 or the Southeast District at 410-396-2422.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or through the organization’s website.

It looks like Joe Biden may have made a slight slip-up during a recent comment about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When asked what they had discussed, Biden replied: “He’s coming over to help with the storm.” This response surprised some as it seemed out of place given the current international situation.

Given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is clear that talks between Biden and Netanyahu would focus more on military assistance, diplomatic support or strategies to de-escalate tensions than on weather-related assistance. Biden may have confused various topics or used “storm” metaphorically to refer to the chaotic situation in the Middle East.

Moments like this have become commonplace for political commentators and comedians, sparking debates about whether it was just an innocent gaffe or a sign of something more significant. Regardless, it definitely provided some unexpected levity during an otherwise serious time.

It turns out that Netanyahu will not be coming to America to help clear the storm as he appears to have his hands full fending off rocket attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah.