Man Who Set Fire To Philly Mosque Pushed Anti-Muslim, White Supremacist Views: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — A man accused of setting fire to a Philadelphia mosque has spouted white supremacist and anti-Muslim beliefs, according to federal authorities.

Vincent Lang, 60, of Philadelphia, was identified as the suspect accused of starting a fast-spreading fire at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center earlier this month. He was arrested Thursday.

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Lang, then unidentified, entered the building during the early hours of July 5 and threw a bag that containing an ignitable liquid. As he fled the area, the fire quickly spread and significantly damaged the mosque, according to an affidavit.

No one else was inside the building, and no injuries were reported, officials said.

Two days later, investigators received information about Lang as a possible suspect. The source, whose identity was withheld for their safety, provided Lang's vehicle information and said Lang was outspoken in his anti-Muslim and racist views.

On Monday, investigators went near Lang's home and saw his SUV parked in the driveway. There were handwritten messages on the windows, including "F*** Allah," "F*** Islam" and "White Pride," authorities said.

He also posted racist and anti-Muslim messages on social media after the arson, the affidavit says.

Lang was charged Wednesday with using fire to maliciously damage or destroy property used in interstate commerce. The charge applies because the mosque was constructing a new wing with materials purchased in New Jersey, officials said.

If convicted, Lang faces 5 to 20 years in prison.

His listed defense attorney didn't immediately return comment to Patch.

Established in 2004, the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center serves over 500 people. With the community continuing to grow, the mosque purchased the property next door and was in the process of expanding its facility.

In a GoFundMe, the Islamic Center said the front of its building suffered "significant damages" in the recent attack.

"We are pleading with our community to stand with us and against all injustices," the Islamic Center said. "Please support us as we will need funds to fix the damages caused by this arson attack along with continuing the construction of our new building."