A Minnesota man has admitted to starting fires at two mosques earlier this year. Jackie Rahm Little, 38, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to setting fires at the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis.
The incidents happened in April 2023. On April 24, Little set a fire at the Bloomington mosque, which forced the evacuation of children attending day care there. The fire caused more than $378,000 in damage. The day before, he tried to start a fire at the Minneapolis mosque by lighting a cardboard box in a restroom. Fortunately, an employee interrupted him before it could spread.
Court records reveal that Little has a history of mental illness, past arson or suspected arson, and domestic violence. Federal prosecutors said the crimes were an attack on the community and on houses of worship. “Minnesota has seen too many attacks on sacred places,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.
Leaders of the local Islamic community expressed shock over the attacks. They believe these fires are part of a wider increase in violence against mosques and Muslim institutions in Minnesota and across the country. Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, spoke about the impact on the community. He was at the Bloomington mosque during the fire and helped evacuate the children. “These attacks were meant to spread fear, but they only made our community stronger,” he said.
A sentencing date for Little has not been scheduled. The case has brought attention to the need for greater protection of religious sites and support for communities facing such threats.