Another hate crime? Arson suspected in Houston Islamic fire

The Houston Fire Department are investigating an arson case after an Islamic Center was set on fire early Friday morning.

At 5:39 A.M. a fire was reported at the Quba Islamic Institute in southeast Houston. According to local station KHOU 11, heavy smoke began pouring from the building as flames shot over the roof.

By 6:30 A.M. the fire was under control.

According to those in the community who utilized the building, the facility was once used as a church and school but was just purchased to be used as a family center. The building was destroyed but thankfully no one was injured.

Officials are now searching for a cause of the fire and arson investigators were at the scene of the fire.

According to their website, the Quba Islamic Institute offered places to "pray, host Islamic School, conduct Marriage Services, Funeral Services, Quran/Arabic class for adults and teenagers, and much, much more." They also had almost 150 students enrolled in their classes and learning programs.

This act comes at the heels of protests against the Texas Muslim Capitol Day, in which hundreds of Muslims across the state rallied in the capitol in Austin. As they marched to meet with lawmakers, they were met with picketers and anti-Islamic protesters decrying their faith.

Chomsky: We Are All – Fill in the Blank.

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