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Federal agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and FBI are investigating a fire Saturday that did serious damage to a mosque in the Ypsilanti area, WXYZ reports.
The first 911 call came in at 4:59 p.m. Saturday for the fire at the Islamic Center of Ypsilanti at 5905 Michigan Avenue, Fox 2 reports. A total of 14 calls were placed to 911 to report the fire. Pittsfield Township Fire Chief Sean Gleason told Fox 2 that it's unknown if the fire is suspicious, but because the location is a place of prayer, they asked the ATF to help with the investigation.
The Council on Islamic-American Relations was offering a $1,000 reward for information in the case.
"We urge state and federal agencies to use their full resources to investigate this fire to determine a cause and, if it is determined to be arson, a possible motive," said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid in a statement. "Anyone who has information about this fire, or saw anything suspicious at the time of the blaze, should immediately contact law enforcement authorities."
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell issued a statement:
“I, like many, was deeply concerned to learn about the fire at the Islamic Center in Pittsfield Township yesterday evening. At a time when we are seeing an increase in threats against members of our communities based on race and religion – whether at a Mosque or a Jewish Community Center – there is obvious reason for concern, and there are many questions as to what happened and why. I have spoken with law enforcement officials and am pleased that federal authorities are working with state and local law enforcement to investigate this incident and determine the facts. If it is found to be arson, the perpetrators must be held accountable. As a community, we must stand united against hate and division in our society.”
