A 24-year-old Republican from North Plainfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on October 9, 2024, to committing a federal hate crime involving the destruction of property at the Center for Islamic Life (CILRU) at Rutgers University.
Jacob D. Beacher’s admission follows his break-in at the facility during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, a significant time for Muslims.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, along with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, announced the guilty plea in Trenton federal court on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Beacher was charged with damaging religious property, which he admitted to causing intentionally.
Beacher, who faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, is set to be sentenced in February.
In a statement, Sellinger emphasized the importance of religious freedom, stating, “The free exercise of religion is a fundamental right of all Americans.”
He condemned Beacher’s actions as motivated by Islamophobia, highlighting the impact of such crimes on communities and individuals.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on April 10, during the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, Beacher broke into the center at about 2:41 a.m.
He proceeded to damage several religious artifacts, such as Turbah prayer stones, which are clay stones on which Muslims prostrate during prayer, and numerous other items that contained holy language from the Quran, Islam’s sacred scripture.
Beacher also stole a Palestinian flag and a charity box, resulting in damages exceeding $5,000.
The consequences of Beacher’s actions could include a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2025.
Beacher, who is not affiliated with Rutgers, was arrested less than two weeks after the burglary and initially charged with one count of intentional or attempted obstruction of religious practice and one count of making false statements to federal authorities.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, demonstrating a commitment to protecting houses of worship and ensuring the safety of individuals practicing their faith. U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the rapid response from law enforcement in apprehending Beacher shortly after the incident.