The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) located in Stone Mountain, Georgia was vandalized over the weekend in a series of attacks taking place on Saturday (October 20).

According to a rep for the center, the first incident took place during the early morning hours of Saturday when vandals defaced the building, as well as tied a noose around the neck of the bronze statue of Tupac Shakur located in the Center's Peace Garden.

The second incident occurred at early Monday morning (October 22) when vandals damaged the Tupac statue even further.

So far, one male has been arrested and is currently being held in custody. The attacks are being investigated as hate crimes by the De Kalb County Sheriff's Office.

"We thank everyone for their prayers and support," said Afeni Shakur, the mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur. "Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators."

The bronze Tupac statue was plastered with handbills of garbled rants that include references to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as well as vague threats against various record companies and rappers.

The manner of the attack indicates it is the work of one or more individuals.

"Hate comes in all colors and genders, therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings," said Afeni of the vandalism. "With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community."

As a result of the incidents, the TASF is now in the process of raising money to construct a fence around the parameters of the Center to prevent these types of incidents from occurring again.

Donations can be sent to TASF, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 or via their website at TASF.org.

In other news, TASF will kick off its 2nd Bi-Annual Film Screening with a re-dedication service of the Peace Garden on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Following the service will be a film screening and panels from film industry experts.

Both events are free to the public.