A suspect has been arrested, one day after arson destroyed much of a St. Paul mosque — the sixth such incident targeting the houses of worship in the state this year.
The St. Paul Police Department said a 42-year-old man was arrested just before 8 p.m. Wednesday on suspicion of causing the fire. Sgt. Mike Ernster said the man ran away after a patrol officer found him in the area of E. 7th and Wall streets, but he was caught and arrested shortly afterward. He has been booked into the Ramsey County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson.
The Star Tribune typically does not name suspects until they are charged.
"We welcome any arrest in this situation because our community [learned] from the previous incidents that we really need to act quickly to make sure that the suspect in this case is not going to other mosques," said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN).
"We welcome the arrest and look forward to learning more," said Hussein, who toured the mosque Thursday.
The Wednesday blaze started around 8:48 a.m. and destroyed parts of the Tawhid Islamic Center of Minnesota, which has been undergoing renovation for the past four months.
Damage is estimated at more than $250,000 according to a fundraiser organized to support the mosque. The fire scorched the roof and caused holes.
City and state leaders gathered outside the mosque Wednesday to condemn the attacks, calling on Minnesotans to help support their Muslim neighbors.
"We can't just say we don't accept this, we have to demonstrate that we don't," St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said. "I want to say right now the city of St. Paul is going to be first in to help make sure to invest and provide resources to help make sure we have security cameras at every mosque in our city."
Hussein said he and others met with Gov. Tim Walz's staff Thursday morning to request at least $7.5 million in emergency funding for mosques, synagogues and places of worship. Those funds would help secure at least 150 houses of worship, not including mosques, with gear such as surveillance cameras and lighting.
Police say the investigation into the arson is ongoing. A solidarity event is being planned for Sunday. Hussein said more details about the event will be shared on Friday.
