Just days after having its windows smashed by a burglar, the Islamic Center of Palm Beach is opening its doors to the public with the goal of educating people about the religion.
Earlier this month, police arrested a suspect who admitted to breaking in and smashing the center’s windows.
As of Tuesday, the building is still boarded up, but that is not deterring leaders from inviting the public to an event Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Suspect now facing hate crime charges
Joshua Killets, 27, of Juno Beach, Fla. was arrested in connection with the case. The state attorney said Tuesday that Killets intentionally targeted the center, prompting hate crime charges.
He was previously charged with burglary to a structure in excess of $1,000 and criminal mischief to a religious structure.
The mosque in North Palm Beach isn't the only one in the country that's been vandalized recently in the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks. Other incidents were reported this week in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
BREAKING: State Attorney says Joshua Killets intentionally targeted Islamic Ctr, making this a hate crime. pic.twitter.com/Igjez760bk
— Katie Johnson (@Katie_Johnson_) December 15, 2015
Reverend CJ McGregor will attend Saturday's event at the Islamic Center of Palm Beach.
He's the priest at the 1st Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches.
He says he can sympathize with what Sharif Elhosseiny, president of the Islamic Center, is going through.
"We represent difference in the community-- difference in beliefs. People feel threatened by that," CJ says.
Sharif hopes many people who aren't familiar with Islam will show up to Saturday's event.
"Go to the source. Come to the mosque. Don't be afraid to come here. We won't be upset at you if you come angry. You can come angry. We understand why," Sharif says.
He says Islam has nothing to do with "criminality" or striking fear in people, despite its connection to ISIS terrorists.
"Unfortunately there are those out there that are misrepresenting Muslims and the religion of Islam," Sharif says.
He continues, "We just know we have a duty to educate. There's no way around this. We can't do nothing."
There will be police present on Saturday, to make sure the event goes smoothly.
Sharif says he welcomes Killets, the man allegedly behind the hate crime, to come as well.
