Houston officials are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mosque which occurred on Christmas Day.
The fire, which was set in multiple areas, is believed to be the work of Islamophobic protesters, similar to many recent attacks all over the nation in the wake of the rising anger at Muslim Americans after the San Bernardino shooting.
From the Washington Post:
“Mustafaa Carroll, the executive director of the Houston area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told KTRK that the Islamic community awaits more information.
‘It makes it a little better if it’s an electrical fire, but we’re hoping it’s not arson,’ Carroll said. ‘It is one of the holiest days of the year for a lot of people. We revere prophet Jesus. These things for us are paramount.’
The fact that the fire was started in more than one location is a strong indicator that it was deliberately set, rather than the product of an electrical mishap. The mosque, which is only three years old, is well maintained and does not have any particularly flammable facets like an oven or fireplace.
Luckily, no one was injured in the fire.
