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Police Arrest Man Suspected Of Vandalizing Islamic Center, Leaving Bible

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Fort Collins have arrested a man suspected of vandalizing the Islamic Center of Fort Collins over the weekend.

The center told CBS4 a man attempted to break into the facility around 4 a.m. Sunday. The man then threw rocks and bricks through windows before throwing a Bible into the worship hall.

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An image of the suspect (credit: CBS)

According to police, on Monday investigators identified Joseph Scott Giaquinto, 35, as the suspect and he was taken into custody. He faces charges of criminal mischief, third-degree trespass, and bias-motivated crime.

The community showed their support quickly after hundreds attended a solidarity rally at the center hours after the vandalism was reported. More than $20,000 was raised for the mosque from people across the state.

"We will not tolerate acts of hatred in our community, and I hope this arrest sends that message loud and clear," Police Chief John Hutto said in a statement. "While the building can be repaired, this incident caused deeper hurt that won't just go away. I urge all of our citizens to continue showing the kind of support and acceptance demonstrated at the Islamic Center rally on Sunday night."

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(credit: CBS)

The Islamic Center will use the donated money donated to repair the broken doors. The remaining funds will be used to hire security.

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