Police: Graffiti on Wichita Mosque Gang-Related

Police say that graffiti that was spray-painted on the side of a Wichita mosque is gang-related and does not appear to be aimed at Muslims.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Lt. Jeff Gilmore said Tuesday that he was confident that whoever vandalized the building "had no idea" it was a mosque, but found the south side of the building and a board fence to be a "large canvas" for gang-related symbols that included stars and pitchforks. Damage was estimated at $500.

The mosque, owned by the Islamic Association of Mid-Kansas, was the site of an arson fire in November 2011, causing $150,000 in damages. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson.