The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and the Escondido Police Department (EPD) announced today, April 11, 2019, that a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for the arson and vandalism, which occurred at an Escondido mosque.
On Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 3:15 a.m., an individual(s) set fire and vandalized the Dar-ul-Arqam Mosque, also known as Islamic Center of Escondido, located at 318 West 6th Avenue, Escondido, California. Several people were inside at the time of the fire, but no one was injured. An ATF Certified Fire Investigator worked in partnership with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s Bomb/Arson Unit to process the fire scene. The exterior of the building sustained damage and the property was found to be defaced. The cause of the fire was classified as incendiary in nature (arson) by ATF investigators.
The ongoing criminal investigation is being conducted by ATF, the EPD, and the FBI. The team of investigators are requesting the public’s assistance to provide any information, tips, or leads pertaining to this crime. Anyone with the information about the arson at the Dar-ul-Arqam Mosque should call the FBI 24-hour tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
