Mosque set ablaze in US on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha

Florida: A mosque, Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, in the United States was set ablaze by an unidentified man during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, on Tuesday, in Florida.

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear. There were, however, no reports of casualties.

Fire crews arrived immediately at the scene after receiving reports of flames coming out of the mosque.

The state authorities have said that it could be a hate crime.

Major David Thompson, of the St Lucie County Sheriff's Office, said, "We are not sure exactly whether this is a hate crime or just arson, we do know that a crime has occurred and that it is arson.”

Officials condering it as hate crime:

• Spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Florida said the blaze was an act of hate.
• Ahmed Bedier, president of the civic group, United Voices for America, also asked authorities to investigate the act as a hate crime.
• The mosque has temporarily relocated its morning prayers for Eid al-Adha to a nearby place.
• Hamaad Rahman, associate imam at the mosque said, "For this to happen to us, on the morning of our biggest celebration of the year, was something horrific."

The investigation:

• The Florida police officials have started investigating the security video clips to identify the perpetrator.
• The FBI and other federal agencies have collaborated with the local sheriff's office for the investigation.