FORT PIERCE, Fla. (WSVN) — An arson investigation is underway after, police said, someone intentionally set fire to the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, overnight.
According to authorities, surveillance video captured a person approaching the side of the building. That’s when authorities said a flash occurred and a person took off running. “Videotape captured an individual approach the east side of the building here,” said St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Major David Thompson. “Immediately after the individual approached, a flash occurred.”
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 12:30 a.m., Monday, saying the mosque was on fire. Upon their arrival, officials found flames shooting through the roof.
The place of worship is located along Midway Road and Cypress Avenue in Fort Pierce.
7News spoke with a member of the mosque, who said the inside was completely damaged. “We, as a Muslim community, have to stay strong and reach out to our communities and let them know that, you know, we are here for our communities,” said one member, “and no matter what, regardless of what happens you, know we have to stay strong. This is one minor setback for the community, but we always come back 10 times stronger.”
According to investigators, this is the same mosque that Omar Mateen, the Pulse Nightclub shooter, attended.
Leaders at the Islamic Center said they have stepped up their security since the shooting, due to several threats.
The Sheriff’s Office arson investigators are on scene, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Authorities have also requested the FBI’s assistance.
Fort Pierce Islamic Center leaders and law enforcement will be holding a press conference in front of the Fort Pierce Islamic Center, Monday, at 2 p.m.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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