Police are investigating an incident after swastikas painted on rocks were found outside a Muslim-owned store in Lakeland.
- Owner finds swastikas painted on rocks outside Muslim store
- Owner reacts positively, buys rocks to paint with peaceful quotes
- Community responds to crime, shows owner kindness and love
One of the owners at Urban Appeal noticed the troubling delivery when he came into work. However, he didn’t get angry.
“Prophet Muhammad did tell us to turn a cheek. He said anytime you see evil or anything bad, return it with peace and love,” said owner Alo Shalaby.
That’s exactly what Shalaby did when he decided to purchase hundreds of rocks himself.
“We put peaceful quotes and different nice stuff on rocks. We’re going to disperse them to try and remove all the hate and racism,” Shalaby said.
Finding painted rocks in Lakeland isn’t all that unusual, thanks to a Facebook group called “Lakeland Rocks.”
It encourages people to decorate rocks and hide them around town to brighten someone’s day.
It’s clear whoever painted the swastika rocks were not part of that group.
The next day, Shalaby came in to find surveillance video of women covering his storefront in hearts.
Shalaby said he’s also received acts of kindness like free ice cream and food from local businesses after the ordeal.
“People have been calling us, people have been coming in to hug us. We love Lakeland,” said Shalaby.
New customers are even showing some love to Urban Appeal after learning about the hateful rocks.
“I came in because of the hatred and wanted to show some love to a downtown group, and just say 'hey, you know, you are loved and we’re here for you,'” said MeLynda Rinker.
Police have investigated the incident, but said there isn’t much they can do because it isn’t classified as a hate crime.
Either way, Shalaby said he doesn’t want the person responsible to get in trouble.
“I just want to sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation with this person to educate him,” Shalaby said.