texas

Mosque Fire Causes Minor Damage, Believed Arson

Video cameras on the building weren't working at the time of the fire

Investigators are seeking tips from the public to the identity of those they believe set a fire that caused minor damage to a Houston-area mosque.

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office says a flammable liquid was applied and ignited about 4:30 a.m. Thursday on the front door of the mosque in Cloverleaf, a suburban community about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Houston. Quick action by a greens keeper at the Northshore Mosque of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston limited the damage to the door.

However, a statement from the Fire Marshal's Office says all four tires on the car owned by the mosque's imam were slashed. Investigators believed incidents were related.

Video cameras on the building weren't working at the time of the fire.

Earlier this week, a man was found guilty of arson and committing a hate crime in a fire that destroyed a mosque in Victoria, Texas, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) southwest of Houston.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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