Islamic Center Where Arrested Somali Worshiped Set On Fire

The Islamic center where Mohamed Osman Mahamud worshiped was set on fire Sunday. Mahamud is the Somali-born 19-year-old caught in a sting operation, accused of trying to blow up a van full of explosives during Portland’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The fire at the Salman Al-Farisi Islamic Center in Corvallis was reported at 2:15 a.m., and evidence at the scene led authorities to believe it was set intentionally, said Carla Pusateri, a fire prevention officer for the Corvallis Fire Department.

Authorities don’t know who started the blaze or why, but they believe the center was targeted because Mohamud occasionally worshipped there.

There were no injuries in the fire, which burned 80% of the center’s office, but did not spread to the worship area.

The FBI was working closely with leadership at the Corvallis center as agents investigated the fire, Balizan said. The bureau has established a telephone tip line and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.