A 36-year-old man is in custody after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at two religious buildings in Queens, New York, late Wednesday night, according to police. The incidents resulted in small fires that were quickly extinguished.
Police reported that the first firebomb was hurled at the front door of Iglesia Bautista El Mesias church on 75th Street in Ozone Park, exploding just before midnight and causing a minor blaze. The suspect then proceeded less than a mile to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on 78th Street in Woodhaven, where another Molotov cocktail was thrown at the building’s entrance, also igniting a fire.
Firefighters from the FDNY responded to both locations and extinguished the flames. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported and no significant damage occurred at either religious site.
During the arrest, police recovered two additional Molotov cocktails from the suspect's bag.
Investigators are reportedly exploring whether the suspect may be connected to other similar incidents. Charges against the man are pending.