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Fire destroyed the Islamic Center of Victoria on Jan. 28. Within a few days, the community raised more than $1 million to rebuild the mosque.
Fire destroyed the Islamic Center of Victoria on Jan. 28. Within a few days, the community raised more than $1 million to rebuild the mosque.
Officials have concluded that the blaze that destroyed the Victoria Islamic Center less than two weeks ago was deliberately set.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives informed the mosque Wednesday that the fire had been ruled arson. While there is no evidence at the moment that the fire was a hate crime, that could change in the future, said Nicole Strong, a public information officer with the bureau.
The mosque, Crime Stoppers and ATF are offering a $30,000 reward to any individual who comes forward with information that can directly lead to an arrest.
Imam Osama Hassan said that all along he had hoped that it was just an accident.
“I don’t know why someone would do such a thing,” he said in a phone interview Wednesday.
He said the support the center has received from the Victoria community and beyond showed him that they’re not alone.
“We know there are more good people than bad, and we hope whoever did this, can get that message,” he said.
More information will be updated as it’s available.
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