Authorities detain person of interest in mosque arson fire

The Islamic Center of Palm Springs in Coachella, California was reported as being on fire shortly after noon on Friday, according to statements from the Riverside County Fire Department.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the lobby, but smoke caused damage throughout the 1,800-square-foot mosque.

Police have detained a “person of interest” following suspected arson at a California mosque.

Riverside County sheriff’s officials said late Friday that the person was being questioned but declined to provide further details.

Dial was being held at the Indio Jail, records show.

The Sheriff’s Department “believes this is an intentional act and we are using all available resources to follow up on any leads that are brought to our attention”, Deputy Armando Munoz, a department spokesman, said in a statement Friday evening.

It wasn’t immediately known if Dial has a lawyer.

State fire investigators, the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are assisting in the investigation.

There were no reports of injuries, but the acting imam of the mosque said that because it is a family center, he is very anxious.

The arson fire comes just a week after the deadly terrorist attack in San Benardino where 14 people were killed in a mass shooting and 22 others were injured. Some Muslims in Southern California and beyond have anxious about the potential for reprisals, while leaders of various faiths have called for tolerance.

Worshipper Salahaldeen Alwishah, 27, told the Los Angeles Times “it was the will of God” no one was hurt.

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez said it was “a cowardly act of vandalism”. That incident was investigated as a possible hate crime. The case remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.