Pierce County deputies seek person of interest in arson at Islamic Center of Tacoma
A person of interest is being sought in connection with an arson at the Islamic Center of Tacoma that burned the mosque and rendered the building unusable earlier this month.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department shared photos of the person on its Facebook page. Department spokesperson Sgt. Darren Moss said investigators want to talk with the person.
The person was seen at about 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11 at a Bartell Drugs store at Bridgeport Way West and 27th Street West in University Place, deputies said in the post.
About an hour later at 8:08 p.m., police and fire crews responded to the fire at the Islamic Center of Tacoma. Two people were inside when the fire began, but they were able to get out and no one was injured.
Deputies asked anyone who can identify the person seen at the drugstore to submit a tip by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
Damage from the blaze meant the mosque couldn’t be used for worship. Abdulhakim Mohamed, imam at the Islamic Center of Tacoma, said the building is the only mosque in the immediate area. Since the fire, a fundraiser has raised $298,000 to help rebuild.
This week, Gov. Jay Inslee visited the mosque to meet with community leaders and denounce the fire.
“The Muslim community’s resilience and faith continues to shine, and we stand in solidarity, as an attack on one is an attack on all,” Inslee said in a tweet.
