Man Pleads Guilty to Rutgers Hate Crime

Jacob Beacher, a 24-year-old from North Plainfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to committing a federal hate crime by vandalizing the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday. He caused over $5,000 in damage to religious artifacts, including items related to the Qur'an, and stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box. The incident, which occurred on April 10, 2024, reflects a broader increase in anti-Muslim bias and hate crimes reported in New Jersey, with a 118% rise in complaints noted in the first half of the year. Beacher faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, with sentencing scheduled for February 11, 2025. The Justice Department emphasized their commitment to prosecuting hate crimes aimed at religious freedoms. Beacher was arrested shortly after the incident, underscoring the FBI's resolve to protect places of worship.