Islamic Center of Tacoma overwhelmed with support following fire, ongoing arson investigation

By Amanda Zhou

(SEATTLE TIMES) Islamic Center of Tacoma Executive Director Abdulhakim Mohamed was out of town Monday night when he learned that authorities were at his mosque, investigating a possible arson.

But it hardly made a difference, he said in an interview Thursday. There was already a community in place, ready to spring into action and help.

Around 8:20 p.m. Monday, West Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to a fire at the center in University Place. Just as evening prayer was about to begin, the estimated 10 people who were in the building could smell the smoke and were able to get out safely, said Mohamed, 53.