Would-Be North Austin Muslim Center Arsonist Sought

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Fire Department officials on Wednesday released video of an unknown suspect seen pouring a liquid onto the grounds of a Muslim center before trying to ignite the place on April 23.

The incident is said to have occurred on Tuesday morning. Footage shows an unidentified man pouring liquid at that North Austin Muslim Community Center located at 11900 N. Lamar Blvd. In releasing the footage and still images of the suspect, officials hope someone might recognize the man seen in the recordings and alert law enforcement officials as to his identity and whereabouts.

Those with information are urged to contact the Crimestoppers Tip Line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS).

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According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), two people who were present at the North Austin Muslim Community Center reported the strong odor of gasoline at the time of the incident. A subsequent review of security footage showed the person wearing a hooded sweatshirt pouring fuel on the side of the building before attempting to ignite a fre, CAIR officials detailed in an email.

Image via Council of American-Islamic Relations.

This isn't the first time the Muslim Center has been targeted. Last September, vandals damaged the structure with graffiti and broken windows twice in a two-week span of time.

Attacks against the Muslim community and other minorities have increased since Donald Trump took office, a trend often fomented by his rhetoric in demonizing certain populations. Trump has sought to ban travel into the U.S. by people in Muslim-dominant countries, inferring such travelers have terrorist ties.

Such rhetoric is believed to foment those predisposed to view some minorities with suspicion, emboldening those with bigoted views to take action antagonistic action.

Click on the link below to see photos and video of the suspect.