Arson investigation underway at Islamic Center of Tacoma after fire damages building

BY PETER TALBOT

(THE NEWS TRIBUNE) A suspicious fire at a mosque in University Place on Monday has forced mosque leaders to pause services at the building due to damage. The fire started at the Islamic Center of Tacoma just before an evening prayer was scheduled to begin.

Two people were inside but they were able to evacuate, and no one was injured. An arson investigation was started by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Jeffrey Papen said witnesses reported seeing someone who may have started the fire fleeing the scene.

Abdulhakim Mohamed, imam at the Islamic Center of Tacoma, said the mosque’s community is in shock. He said the building can’t be used, and mosque leaders aren’t yet sure where services will continue.