Faiyaz Jaffer, Associate Chaplain NYU’s Islamic Center, says Muslim community members at NYU are a little unsettled after a student found their prayer space at the Bobst Library vandalized on Thursday.

“This act is so vile and despicable,” Jaffer said. “It’s the one safe space for people to kind of catch their breath.”

Images from inside that sacred space shows graffiti on the walls, and urine splattered across the floor.

“First thoughts, obviously shock and frustration and anger and a mix of all of those things,” Jaffer said. “This is just one act of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric that’s part of a larger systemic problem that we have across our communities.”

Both NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force and the university are investigating the vandalism.

In a statement, the university calls the vandalism unacceptable, writing in part, “Anyone found responsible for this vandalism will be subject to the most serious sanctions available through our disciplinary process.”

“There’s a fear and anxiety all across the board, whether students should come to campus or not,” Jaffer said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James tweeted out support following the vandalism.

Jaffer, though, says the community needs more than words of support.

“The political elite is going to have to do a little bit more than offer condolences via a tweet or otherwise. And we’re happy to engage with them and talk to them about things that they should be doing,” Jaffer said.