Overview
- The 15-foot crescent built by ASU-affiliated volunteers to mark Ramadan was found destroyed on March 17 atop Tempe’s 'A' Mountain.
- Tempe police launched a criminal-damage investigation after city officials reported the display was completely destroyed.
- Chief designer Wid Alsabah called the incident an intentional act of hate, saying the structure was cut loose, pushed several feet, and stripped of lights.
- The stainless-steel installation is valued at about $20,000 and had faced earlier tampering, including disconnected lights and a stolen plaque.
- The destruction followed a March 7 paintball attack at a North Phoenix mosque that led to charges against Michael Abel Dominguez, as community leaders pledged to continue the display tradition.