Queens Church Attacks
Suspect Arrested After Throwing Molotov Cocktails at Two Queens Churches
Key Points
Some outlets reported the suspect's age as 36, while others cited 34, highlighting inconsistencies in early reporting.
The first attack target was Iglesia Bautista El Mesias on 75th Street (near 101st Ave in Ozone Park) at about 11:35 p.m., with the second attack at Kingdom Hall on 78th Street near Atlantic Ave in Woodhaven; some outlets cited the time as just before midnight, showing slight discrepancies in timing reports.
The suspect was reportedly arrested in a nearby deli after the two incidents.
Two additional Molotov cocktails were found in the suspect’s bag, indicating potential further activity or intent.
Some accounts described the incendiaries bouncing off the doors before exploding, rather than causing direct structural damage, adding detail to how fires started at the two sites.
A man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at two Queens religious buildings within minutes of each other, according to CBS News. Small fires broke out at both sites, but firefighters quickly put them out and no one was hurt.
Police found two more Molotov cocktails in the suspect's bag after taking him into custody at a nearby deli, Washington Examiner reported. Investigators are now looking at whether he is linked to other similar attacks.
Two Churches Hit Minutes Apart in Queens
The first attack hit Iglesia Bautista El Mesias on 75th Street near 101st Avenue in Ozone Park at around 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, CBS News reported. The second strike came roughly a half-mile away at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on 78th Street near Atlantic Avenue in Woodhaven. Both attacks happened just before midnight.
At each site, the incendiary devices reportedly bounced off the doors before igniting small fires. Firefighters arrived and extinguished both blazes. Neither building suffered major structural damage, and no injuries were reported at either location, according to Washington Examiner.
Suspect Caught at Nearby Deli With More Weapons
Police tracked down the suspect at a deli close to the two attack sites. When officers searched his bag, they found two additional undetonated Molotov cocktails, CBS News reported. That discovery suggests he may have been planning more attacks that night.
Early reports on the suspect's age were inconsistent. Washington Examiner and CBS News listed him as 36 years old, while NY Daily News reported his age as 34. Charges were still pending as of early reporting, and a motive had not been publicly confirmed.
Investigators Probe Possible Links to Other Incidents
Authorities said the suspect may be connected to other similar attacks beyond the two churches. CBS News reported that investigators are reviewing broader patterns in the case. No other specific locations were publicly named.
The recovery of unused Molotov cocktails from his bag points to possible further intent. Investigators have not yet released a clear motive. The case remains active as police assess whether other sites were targeted or planned, according to Washington Examiner.
No Major Damage, But Community Left Shaken
Both religious buildings escaped serious harm. The fires were small and contained quickly by FDNY crews. No worshippers or bystanders were at the sites during the attacks, which helped prevent any injuries, NY Daily News reported.
Still, the back-to-back strikes on two houses of worship in the same neighborhood alarmed local residents. Authorities have not said whether the attacks were motivated by religion or bias. That question is expected to be a key part of the ongoing investigation, according to CBS News.
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