Following repeated right-wing denials that opposition to a NYC Islamic community center is not based on religious freedom and that there is no evidence of nationwide anti-Muslim bigotry, Media Matters documented numerous instances of nationwide anti-Muslim bias, particularly instances of protests and vandalism against local mosques in their communities. One of the incidents Media Matters highlighted involved a proposed Islamic community center in Murfreesboro, TN, which has been subject to repeated protests and acts of vandalism at its construction site. CBS News reports of yet another act of vandalism at the Murfreesboro, TN Islamic center construction site. From CBS News:
Federal officials are investigating a fire that started overnight at the site of a new Islamic center in a Nashville suburb.
Ben Goodwin of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department confirmed to CBS Affiliate WTVF that the fire, which burned construction equipment at the future site of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, is being ruled as arson.
Special Agent Andy Anderson of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told CBS News that the fire destroyed one piece of construction equipment and damaged three others. Gas was poured over the equipment to start the fire, Anderson said.[...]
Opponents of a new Islamic center say they believe the mosque will be more than a place of prayer; they are afraid the 15-acre site that was once farmland will be turned into a terrorist training ground for Muslim militants bent on overthrowing the U.S. government.
“They are not a religion. They are a political, militaristic group,” Bob Shelton, a 76-year-old retiree who lives in the area, told The Associated Press.
Shelton was among several hundred demonstrators who recently wore “Vote for Jesus” T-shirts and carried signs that said “No Sharia law for USA!,” referring to the Islamic code of law.
Others took their opposition further, spray painting a sign announcing the “Future site of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro” and tearing it up.