The search for a suspected arsonist has intensified with the FBI now offering a $10,000 bounty. The arson episode in question set the New Caney Buddhist temple ablaze, a calculated attack revealed by the FBI, based on the evidence of Molotov cocktails thrown through a window. The destructive act took place on November 5 last year, and officials are pressing for community assistance to find the individual behind the firebombing that could have cost lives.
Surveillance footage disclosed by the authorities shows a man approaching the Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Centre just before the clock struck 10 PM. He launched a Molotov cocktail through an opening, engulfing the room in fire. Temple members responded with urgency, battling the flames to avoid a catastrophe. According to FOX 26 Houston, the suspect is a white or light-skinned male, with his outfit consisting of a dark baseball cap, black boots, and a backpack slung over his shoulder.
In a reprehensible act that might have claimed lives, a monk was sleeping on the floor where the fire sparked to life, per officials. Following the close call, the FBI has taken the lead on this case, not ruling out any potential motives for this crime. The suspect's description, offered by the FBI, suggests a man standing between 5 feet, 8 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, wearing a Nike backpack, ballcap, gloves, military-style boots, and a neck gaiter partially concealing his face.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams expressed his outrage, "While we don’t yet know the suspect’s motive in this case, his attempt to burn down the Buddhist temple in New Caney is disgraceful. Our churches and temples should be safe havens for all people, not sites subjected to intimidation, destruction, and violence," as reported by KHOU.
The FBI urges anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the man to step forward. Tips can be reported to the FBI's toll-free tip line at 1-800-225-5324.
