Police are investigating anti-Muslim graffiti targeting a Muslim township Board of Education candidate.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK -- Authorities are investigating graffiti left on campaign lawn signs targeting a Muslim candidate in Tuesday's township Board of Education race.
The incident has prompted fears in the Muslim community, particularly after Tuesday's election of Donald Trump as the next president of the U.S. Trump's Muslim rhetoric has continued to caused unease among Muslims.
Authorities are investigating graffiti left on campaign lawn signs targeting a Muslim candidate running in Tuesday's South Brunswick Board of Education race. The signs were located in the vicinity of South Brunswick High School. Six campaign signs for Azra Baig, who was re-elected Tuesday to her second term on the school board, were defaced with phrases like, "Rag Head," "ISIS," and "ISIS sympathizer," according to a statement from the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ).
In a telephone interview, Baig told NJ Advance Media she was concerned about anti-Muslim rhetoric intensifying after the election of Trump, who, at one point during his campaign, called for a complete ban of Muslims from entering the U.S.
"It is concerning because we don't know what the future holds," Baig said, noting that following Tuesday's election, her two daughters also expressed their own concerns.
Baig said she hoped any other disparaging statements or actions against her would be immediately reported to the South Brunswick Police Department.
CAIR-NJ called on state and federal law enforcement to investigate the matter as a hate crime. The defaced signs were posted in areas near South Brunswick High School.
A spokesman for the New Jersey attorney general's office said though the investigation remains in the hands of the South Brunswick Police Department and the county Prosecutor's Office, it has offered its support if needed.
In a statement, state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, who spoke to Baig about the matter, said, "We will not tolerate acts of vandalism or other crimes that seek to promote hatred and bigotry. My office has offered our assistance and been assured that the local agencies involved are doing everything possible to bring whoever is responsible to justice."
No arrests have been made at this time but the probe remains ongoing, according to Jim Ryan, a spokesman for the South Brunswick Police Department.
Baig said she greatly appreciates the support from members of her community.
"I was met with the utmost warmth and kindness and people have been very appreciated of my effort in the school district. I am very grateful for their support," she said.
She added that her re-election was validating of her hard work.
CAIR-NJ members and township officials have denounced the incidents.
"This kind of hate speech serves to reinforce negative stereotypes and cast a shadow of suspicion and doubt over all Muslims", said CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues. "We urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime."
South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese said he was disappointed and that he and the township are proud of Baig and her service to the community.
"This is not who we are in South Brunswick," Gambatese said.
Anyone with information about the graffiti can contact the South Brunswick Police Department at 732-329-4000 ext. 7460.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.