ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul police say a 42-year-old man is in custody in connection with a fire that gutted a community center and mosque.
A Twitter post says the suspect was arrested around 8 p.m. Wednesday for the fire earlier that morning at the Oromo American Tawhid Islamic Center. He is currently being held on suspicion of first-degree arson.
Criminal records show the man was previously charged and convicted of arson in 2020 for a fire set in his room at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. In that case the suspect agreed to be taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
He was later sentenced to an additional 30 days in jail for violating the terms of his sentencing by failing to check in with a probation officer and not remaining law-abiding.
While police have identified the suspect, KARE 11 will not name him until criminal charges are officially filed.
Engines were dispatched to 430 Dale St. N. around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday on reports of a fire inside Islamic Center and mosque, that was nearing the end of a major construction project. Arriving fire crews found flames leaping from the building.
While he didn't have a dollar estimate, Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso described interior damage to the community center and mosque as "extensive." He told reporters evidence located on the scene caused investigators to label the fire a case of suspected arson.
Fire officials quickly called in both the State Fire Marshal's Office and the FBI for help in determining how the fire was set and who is responsible.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter didn't try to hide his anger at another Twin Cities mosque being targeted in recent weeks.
I'm disgusted," Carter said, vowing that the person or persons who set the fire will be held accountable. "We do not tolerate attacks against our communities of faith. An attack against one of us is really an attack against all of us."
The mayor said police and city leaders will be working with Muslim leaders to immediately increase patrols and improve readiness in the event of future attacks.
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