Hate Material Dropped at Simi Valley Mosque, Police Investigate

Detectives looking into possible bias incident at Islamic Society of Simi Valley

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, torn piece of paper with handwritten text, captured in stark, dramatic lighting to convey the serious, investigative nature of this bias incident.A disturbing reminder of the persistent threat of hate and bias that some faith communities continue to face.Simi Valley Today

Simi Valley police are investigating after someone left 'hate material' at the front door of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley's Township Avenue building late Tuesday night. Officers responded to the scene and turned the case over to the department's Detective Bureau, which is working to determine who left the material and why. No details have been released about the specific contents or whether any property damage occurred.

Why it matters

The incident comes amid a broader statewide rise in reported religion-based bias cases, with the California Department of Justice finding a 30% increase in such incidents between 2022 and 2023. Police and community groups are urging residents to report bias events so they can be properly documented and addressed.

The details

According to NBC Los Angeles, the 'hate material' was left directly at the front door of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley's building on Township Avenue. The Detective Bureau is now handling the ongoing investigation. The Islamic Society's website lists the Township Avenue address as the location of its long-standing place of worship.

  • The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Islamic Society of Simi Valley

A local Muslim congregation that has operated a place of worship on Township Avenue in Simi Valley for many years.

Simi Valley Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the possible hate incident at the Islamic Society of Simi Valley's building.

California Department of Justice

The state agency that tracks hate crime data and has reported a 30% increase in religion-based bias incidents across California between 2022 and 2023.

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What’s next

The Simi Valley Police Department has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators at 805-583-6950. Community organizations and the California Department of Justice are also encouraging residents to report bias incidents so they can be properly documented and addressed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing hate and bias, and the importance of robust reporting, investigation, and support services to combat these troubling trends. It underscores the need for vigilance, solidarity, and a collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive and just society.