The suspect in an alleged arson attack at a California mosque early Sunday morning left behind graffiti referencing the deadly New Zealand terrorist attacks, according to local cops. The fire broke out at 3:15 a.m. at Dar-ul-Arqam in Escondido and authorities have launched investigations into suspected arson and a hate crime, NBC San Diego reports. Yusef Miller, a member of the Muslim community in Escondido, said: “We’re not surprised by this incident... But, we’re very on edge right now.” Police revealed the suspect left a message in graffiti in the mosque’s parking lot that referenced the New Zealand shooting, but didn’t say exactly what it said. Seven people were inside the mosque at the time of the fire and were able to put it out with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived. “We’re going to stay vigilant. We’re not going to close down this mosque yet. People are still going to come pray,” said Miller. No arrests have been made.
