FBI investigates Missouri Islamic centre fire
The FBI investigating a fire at a Missouri Islamic centre offers a $5,000 reward for information resulting in the arrest of anyone linked to the incident.
The fire coincided with the beginning of a holy month for Muslims.
Richard Quinn, the special agent responsible for the St. Louis Division, announced the award Friday, hours following the fire broke out early that morning at the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau. Twelve to 15 people were evacuated and escaped injury. Fire Chief Travis Hollis said the damage to the building was extensive.
The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim advocacy group, said the fire commenced at the front end door of the building. CAIR noted the timing of the blaze - Thursday night was the start of Ramadan, a holy month where Muslims fast and pray.
"As the fire was deemed 'suspicious,' and because it occurred at a residence of worship on a substantial religious date, we urge police authorities to research a possible bias motive for the blaze," CAIR's national communications director, Ibrahim Hooper, said in a statement.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the state fire marshal also are investigating the fire.
Cape Girardeau is about 115 miles south of St. Louis.
