Federal authorities haven’t determined the cause of the Aug. 6 fire that destroyed the Islamic Society of Joplin’s mosque.
“We are still actively investigating,” FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton said Thursday by phone.
A news release from the FBI notes that investigators with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted several days of extensive examination at the site, involving reconstructing the scene and sifting through the debris.
The ATF dispatched a certified fire inspector, a highly trained special agent, to provide technical support and analysis.
A dog also was used by investigators at the scene on the day of the fire.
Authorities also have conducted many interviews.
Authorities still consider the fire to be suspicious, based on the news release.
“At this time, the official cause of the fire is ‘undetermined,’” reads the news release. “A finding of undetermined does not mean that a fire investigation is closed. If additional information is developed, this finding can be changed. Investigators are actively following all leads and request the public to report any information about the fire.”
The news release states that the factors leading to the determination aren’t being released.
Some Joplin Muslims said they weren’t discouraged about the news.
“As far as I’m concerned, I have full faith in law enforcement,” Ayesha Ahmed said. “It’s going to take some time. We just need to wait and see what comes out of it.”
Member and mosque spokeswoman Kimberly Kester also said the members of the mosque have full faith in the FBI and other investigators. She said she did feel some personal frustration.
“We would like to get this investigation complete so we can put it behind us and really focus on rebuilding,” she said.
The FBI also released enhanced images from a surveillance video showing the person who started a fire at the mosque on July 4 that caused minor damage to the roof.
“Law enforcement firmly believes these enhanced photographs can assist in the identification of this suspect,” reads the news release.
The news release states that authorities haven’t determined if the July 4 and Aug. 6 incidents are related.
The FBI won’t say if any surveillance video exists from the Aug. 6 fire, but if any survived the fire, it hasn’t been made public.
The FBI and ATF are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the July 4 fire. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has added a $10,000 reward for the arrest of those involved in either incident.
Website
THE SURVEILLANCE VIDEO, press releases and enhanced images are available on the website of the Kansas City division of the FBI at fbi.gov/kansascity
Local News
Related Photos
-
070512 mosque poi 1.jpg Courtesy/Jasper County Sheriff
-
070512 mosque poi 2.jpg Courtesy/Jasper County Sheriff
Discussion
Federal investigation doesn’t yield cause of Joplin mosque fire
FBI continuing overall probe
- Local News
-
-
VIDEO: Restore Joplin designer stepping up to help Moore tornado victims
The designer of the Restore Joplin T-shirts who helped raise nearly a quarter-million dollars for Joplin in the wake of the 2011 tornado has put together a similar design to raise money for residents of Moore, Okla.
-
Carl Junction officials weigh cost of proposed skate park
The public facilities and planning committee of Carl Junction met Tuesday to discuss plans for a proposed skate park near the site of the old public works barn on Water Street. The committee reviewed a design from American Ramp Co. of Joplin to get what committee chairman Tim Smith said was a “rough idea of layout and cost” for the project.
-
Mike Pound: Bernie’s in Avilla a classic tavern
I have a fondness for taverns. When I think of a tavern, I think of a small place with a simple bar, a pool table or two, a jukebox and a kitchen.
-
Jasper County approves renovation, building plans
Work is expected to start within two weeks on a project to renovate a county owned building near the courthouse for the Jasper County sheriff’s office.
-
Federal, state leaders salute Joplin’s recovery
A deadly May twister may have punched a hole in Joplin and Duquesne two years ago, but the resolve to repair it will help other communities stand strong when they face similar disasters. That was the message of state and national diginitaries to a crowd of about 2,500 who observed the second anniversary of Joplin’s devastating May 22, 2011, storm during a ceremony Wednesday in Cunningham Park.
-
Banner from Joplin to be sent to Moore residents
A giant vinyl banner adorned with heartfelt messages from Joplin tornado survivors to the residents of Moore, Okla., became a centerpiece of Wednesday’s observance of the two-year anniversary of the May 22, 2011, tornado.
-
Hired hand won’t face death penalty in Vernon County murder case
The state has agreed not to seek the death penalty against Jeremy L. Maples in the murder of Belinda J. Beisly, but prosecutors have yet to take the option off the table for the victim’s husband, Bob T. Beisly II.
-
Families in Moore, Joplin linked by disasters
Zach Woodcock knew the storms were going to be bad on May 22, 2011, so turning on the Weather Channel was a natural. What he saw filled him with fear. The Moore resident’s family lived in Joplin, Mo.
-
Community gearing up for two-year anniversary ceremony this afternoon
With the playground full of children, it could be any other day at Joplin’s Cunningham Park, but the white tents popping up and neat rows of white chairs lined up nearby indicate something more is happening today.
-
SMB sets up fund for Moore, Okla., storm victims
Southwest Missouri Bank has set up an account so area residents can donate to storm victims in Moore, Okla., which was hit by an EF-5 tornado on May 20.
- More Local News Headlines
-
VIDEO: Restore Joplin designer stepping up to help Moore tornado victims
