Mosque damaged after arson attack in Northeast Philadelphia; suspect sought

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Investigators are searching for clues after an apparent arson attack at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center early Sunday morning.

The fire broke out around 2 a.m. Sunday at the mosque on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue.

The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, released surveillance video of the incident in hopes of identifying the suspect.

Authorities, including Philadelphia police, the ATF, and the fire marshal's office, are investigating whether the fire was a hate crime targeting the local Muslim community.

Surveillance footage shows a man carrying what appears to be a canister as he approaches the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. Moments later, a flash can be seen before flames erupt on the building's northwest corner.

Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR Philadelphia, said the outcome could have been far worse if first responders had not arrived quickly.

"All of this facility, as well as the expansion project next door, could've been burned down to the ground and could've caused injury to the neighborhood over here," Tekelioglu said.

According to CAIR, firefighters extinguished the blaze within minutes. No one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Mashuqal Khan, president of the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, credited an Uber Eats delivery driver with helping prevent further damage.

"She saw the fire, then she went to the side door. Nobody lives over here, then she shouted 'fire, fire,'" Khan said.

The delivery driver then called 911, according to the Islamic Center.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a statement following the incident, saying, "Every Philadelphian should be able to gather in worship with a sense of peace, safety, and belonging. No one should ever fear for their safety because of where or how they pray. My thoughts are with the congregation and everyone impacted by this incident."

While members of the Islamic Center expressed relief that the damage was limited, Khan said the incident has deeply affected the congregation.

"Our first home is where we sleep, and this is our second home. So, we are feeling very bad," Khan said.

CAIR is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Members of the Islamic Center have since contacted the Uber Eats delivery driver and plan to honor her at a ceremony in the coming weeks.