Fire That Destroyed South Texas Mosque Ruled Arson

A firefighter walks in front of the Islamic Center of Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Victoria, Texas. The early-morning fire Saturday destroyed the mosque that was a target of hatred several years ago and experien... A firefighter walks in front of the Islamic Center of Victoria on Saturday, Jan. 28 in Victoria, Texas. The early-morning fire Saturday destroyed the mosque that was a target of hatred several years ago and experienced a burglary just a week ago. (Barclay Fernandez/The Victoria Advocate via AP) MORE LESS

VICTORIA, Texas (AP) — Federal investigators say a fire that destroyed a South Texas mosque has been ruled arson and at this time there’s no evidence of a hate crime.

A $30,000 reward was offered Wednesday for information leading to arrests and indictments over the Jan. 28 pre-dawn fire at the Victoria Islamic Center.

A statement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston says investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. Senior Special Agent Nicole Strong says at this point there’s no evidence of a hate crime.

Victoria Fire Chief Taner Drake says investigators are working to determine who started the blaze. Nobody was hurt.

ATF, the Victoria Islamic Center and Crime Stoppers each offered a $10,000 reward.

Authorities say the mosque was burglarized about a week before the fire.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  1. BUT I also understand that the community raised over
    600,000 in the first week after this happened …

    I think it’s over a million now ! Hurray !! –

    Some bad apples …definitely ---- But also some GREAT community !

    I hope they catch them soon –

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