On Friday, February 27th, a fire had broken out at the Islamic Society of New Tampa named the Daarus Salaam Mosque, based in Thonotosassa, Florida, the fire investigators have since confirmed the fire to be intentional. The Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR) has given an offer of $5,000 to whoever can provide information to who the culprit/s, who ignited the fire at the mosque.
At approximately 2:00 am Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the call of a fire at the Daarus Salaam Mosque. Reports reveal the fire started at the front door to the prayer hall. There was a whole drilled into the door, seeming to direct the fire inside the building, first responders thought it to be a bullet hole but it was determined not to be.
Fortunately, the sprinkler system turned on before the fire could ignite the inside of the prayer hall. There was damage to the door and carpet inside from the sprinkler water and smoke.
The Friday prayers were canceled and relocated to another venue. CAIR announced in a press release after the blaze that they will offer $5,000 to whoever provides information which aids in the apprehension of the individual/s involved in the arson.
Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, the CAIR-Florida Communications Director said in a press release, "We congratulate the Hillsborough County first responders for their prompt response to this tragic situation. It is worrisome that our community have fallen victim of what appears to be another hate crime. This time another Florida mosque has been targeted in a crime that could have easily taken the life of any worshiper. Our prayers are with the New Tampa Mosque community; and we are grateful that nobody was physically hurt. CAIR-Florida urgently call all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to be on top of the investigation of what appears to be a heinous act of terror against the Muslim community."