An Escondido, California mosque was set on fire over the weekend, and the culprit left graffiti referencing the two New Zealand mosques shootings that left 50 people dead.
Escondido Police Lt. Chris Lick said there were seven people inside the Islamic Center of Escondido when the fire occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday. One person spotted the flames, and the group was able to extinguish the fire before it caused any serious damage.
Once police and firefighters arrived, they were quickly able to determine the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant. However, the arsonist is still at large. In the meantime, the graffiti left by the suspect will hopefully provide information on who set the mosque on fire.
Escondido police and fire investigators, in addition to a regional bomb/arson task force, agents with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are investigating the incident as an arson and a hate crime.
Lt. Lick said, “Everyone should remain absolutely vigilant and watchful at their prayer centers. If there are people who are not supposed to be there, please give us a call.” He also said officers plan to keep a close eye on worship centers in the area and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity near religious centers.
Dustin Craun, the executive director of the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called for increased security and police protection at Islamic institutions.
Craun said in a statement, “It is disturbing enough that some sick individual would attempt to burn a house of worship to the ground, but referencing the slayings in New Zealand is beyond the pale. While the majority of humanity has responded to the tragedy to draw closer to one another and refute hatred, a violent and hate-filled minority seeks further divisions.”
