Suspect arrested in firebombing attack on 2 NYC churches

A man has been arrested for allegedly firebombing two New York City churches late Wednesday night. The suspect, identified only as a 36-year-old male, was caught on video throwing Molotov cocktails at the Iglesia Bautista El Mesias church and the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, both located in Queens, police said.

Just after 11:35 pm, the suspect was observed speaking with several individuals outside the Iglesia Bautista El Mesias church on 75th Street in Ozone Park. Video shows the assailant pulling out a Molotov cocktail, lighting it, and throwing it at the front door. The incendiary device exploded but caused no damage to the building, investigators said.

The suspect then traveled to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Woodhaven and threw a second Molotov cocktail. The explosive bounced off the building and hit the floor. The building was not damaged.

"I have no words because, like I told you, we have no enemies, the church is growing. I cannot say anything because we have no enemies, so I don't know where this is coming from," said Pastor Alex Garcia, according to ABC 7 News.
 

A third building was also targeted, but sustained no damage.

Police said they recovered two additional Molotov cocktails located in the suspect's bag upon arrest. Criminal charges are pending, and the suspect has not yet been publicly identified.

The New York Post reported that investigators are probing a potential link to similar incidents that occurred in the area last month. The suspect was apprehended around 12:10 am Thursday and is expected to be federally charged in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.