Bloomington police say mosque burglary not a hate crime

A video recording of burglars inside a Bloomington mosque last week was released Tuesday by police, who said they see no evidence that the act was a hate crime.

The surveillance video from inside the Dar Al Farooq Islamic Center, which was bombed in early August, shows the two intruders inside between 2 and 3 a.m. Friday wearing masks resembling an ape or a monkey. Both are carrying duffel or shoulder bags.

The larger of the two suspects being sought "has a distinctive walk," police pointed out in a statement accompanying the video.

"We are asking the public to focus on the suspects' physical appearance, clothing, footwear and items being carried," the statement said.

As for the intruders' motive, police said it "appears to be theft of property from inside the Islamic Center. At this time, there is no indication that this was motivated by a bias or hate crime."

Deputy Police Chief Mike Hartley said investigators are compiling a list of what was taken from the center, located in the 8200 block of Park Avenue S.

The suspects pushed a safe outside, which was recovered, Hartley said. Money also "was taken from unsecured collection jars, but we don't think [it was] a significant amount," he added.

Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call police at 952-563-4900.

Authorities earlier released video from the explosion on Aug. 5. There also have been no arrests in that crime.

Gov. Mark Dayton characterized the bombing of the center as an "act of terrorism."

Also, the FBI has put up a $30,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of suspects in the blast. No one was injured in the explosion.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482