An arsonist set a Florida mosque on fire during the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
The incident took place during one of the religion's most important times of the year and just a day after the 15th anniversary of 9/11. The fire was set at the same mosque where the Orlando nightclub gunman used to worship.
While no one was injured by the attack, authorities suspect the arson was a hate crime.
"Surveillance footage from cameras on the building revealed that a white or Hispanic male arrived on motorcycle at approximately 11:38 p.m.," the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "In the video, it appears he is carrying paper and a bottle of some type of liquid. The male approaches the northeast side of the building and a flash is seen, presumably when the fire ignited. The male is then seen running from the building."
The fire was completely extinguished by 5 a.m.
Wilfredo Ruiz, with the Florida Council on American Islamic Relations, says the attack couldn't happen at a worse time because this week's Muslim holiday is "supposed to be a day of joy for the Muslim community."
Meanwhile, New York City officials celebrated the Muslim holiday at a prayer service and the city's public schools were closed to honor the Islamic day.
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