Two Men Arrested for Vandalizing Mosque: Police

Two men have been arrested after a vandalism attack at a Burlington mosque, police announced Monday.

Scott Capella, 18, and John Demone, 18, both of Burlington, have been charged with malicious destruction of property in excess of $250 and tagging of a building, Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent announced at a Monday afternoon press conference. They are expected to be arraigned in Woburn court on Monday. A third person is also being questioned.

The Islamic Center of Burlington called police early Sunday morning to report the damage to the mosque. Capella and Demone allegedly spray-painted “USA” in red paint multiple times across the exterior walls of the building. Investigators also found smashed eggs outside the building.

The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, suggested the graffiti reflects growing anti-Islamic sentiment that Muslim are not “real” Americans.

This is the second time the mosque has been vandalized in the past two years. Another group of vandals also spray-painted the word “USA” on the mosque back in 2013.

Above: Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent address the media Monday afternoon.