Hate Crimes: Missouri - FBI and partners investigate second fire at Islamic Center

FBI Kansas City 
Public Affairs Specialist Bridget Patton

At approximately 3:40 a.m. on August 6, 2012, the Carl Junction Fire Department and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department responded to a fire at the Islamic Center of Joplin after being notified of the fire by individuals passing the center. The center, located at 1302 South Black Cat Road, in Joplin, Missouri, sustained a total loss. The center was vacant at the time of the fire and no individuals sustained any injuries.

The FBI, in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri Department of Fire Safety are currently investigating and providing significant resources to determine the cause of the fire. The ongoing investigation involves reconstructing the scene, identifying the cause and origin of the fire, conducting interviews, and sifting through debris to obtain and collect evidence related to the incident.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Kaste stated, “We are currently in the preliminary stages of this investigation and are awaiting a determination as to the cause of this fire. If this fire is determined to be deliberate in nature, it will be investigated to the fullest extent possible. Any act of violence to a house of worship is taken very seriously by law enforcement and threatens the very core of the safety and security that our communities enjoy.”

“ATF will coordinate our efforts and provide our expertise and resources to determine the origin and cause of this fire,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton. “The impact of this devastating fire is not just a loss of a building but a spiritual loss to the community.”

Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn stated, “I extend my deepest condolences to the community during this difficult time. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide considerable resources until this investigation is completed.”

Recently, a $15,000 reward was announced by the FBI and the ATF for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the fire at this same center on July 4, 2012. Surveillance video, a press release, and an image of the suspect from the July 4th fire are available at http://www.fbi.gov/kansascity/press-releases/2012/fbi-seeks-assistance-from-the-public. The FBI, along with the other agencies involved, will continue to investigate to determine if these two acts of violence are connected in any way.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, the ATF, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.