FBI, ATF Join Bellevue Mosque Fire Investigation

BELLEVUE, WA - In an update released Thursday morning, Bellevue police say that investigators are still trying to determine what caused a fire Wednesday evening at the Islamic Center of Eastside mosque. Yesterday's fire was the second time the mosque burned within 14 months.

In addition to Bellevue fire officials, the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have joined the investigation.

"Firefighters extinguished the flames and got the fire under control quickly. Bellevue Police investigators, assisted by investigators with the Bellevue Fire Department, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, , Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation are working collaboratively to determine the cause and origin of the fire," police said in a statement.

The mosque was vacant Wednesday when the fire broke out. The building has been unused since it was burned in January 2017 by Isaac Wayne Wilson. Bellevue police said there gas and electric utilities were shut off to the building.

Islamic Center of Eastside elder Omer Lone told KING 5 on Wednesday he believe the fire was intentional. The mosque has moved to a temporary home at a Bellevue business park.

Police are asking for help from the public. Bellevue police put out a call for cell phone footage of the fire and tips. You can contact investigators at PDtipline@bellevuewa.gov or by calling Crime Stoppers. 1-800-222-TIPS.

Wednesday's fire follows two arson fires at separate Jehovah's Witness worship centers in Thurston County.

Photo courtesy Bellevue police