Police are searching for a man who they say targeted a mosque in an alleged hate crime in Brooklyn Heights.

Investigators say the incident happened March 9 at the Daoud Mosque, otherwise known as the Islamic Mission of America on State Street. According to police, the suspect threw pages of the Quran onto the front steps of the mosque, then walked away.

Authorities say the man returned a short time later and smeared what appeared to be feces on the mosque’s front door before leaving the area.

News12 spoke with the Imam of the mosque, who said it’s the first time an incident like this has happened there in decades.

Others who pray at this mosque say it’s disturbing to know someone would do that, especially during the month of Ramadan.

“Whoever brainwashes these persons, they're just losing. There's no gain out of it except destruction,” said Anas Mustafa.

Even with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, community members say incidents like this are also a call for them to stand up against hate in their backyards.

“I think Islamophobia is clearly on the rise,” said Abigail, a Brooklyn resident. “We're seeing it everywhere. So, as upsetting as it is to hear that it happened in Brooklyn, I think it's something everyone needs to keep an eye out for, because it's in the culture. It's our responsibility to do what we can to make it go away.”

The incident comes as hate crimes across New York City are on the rise. NYPD data shows hate crimes increased 152% in January compared to the same time last year.