Escondido Mosque Fire: Graffiti References New Zealand Shooting

ESCONDIDO, CA — A fire broke out early Sunday at the Dar-ul-Arqam Mosque in Escondido and police are investigating the blaze as arson and a hate crime. Police and firefighters sent to the mosque on 6th Street determined the fire had been intentionally set while seven people were inside for religious purposes, police said.

No one was hurt and the building sustained only minor damage to the exterior facade, police said. The culprit left behind graffiti referencing the mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand that left 50 people dead and 50 more wounded.

So far, no suspects have been identified in Sunday's fire. Uniformed police officers are providing additional patrols in the area. Anyone with information about the fire should contact Escondido police.