Arson at Northeast Islamic Center in Philly under investigation: police
Surveillance video released in Philadelphia mosque arson case
Authorities and community leaders are responding to an arson attack on a mosque in Northeast Philadelphia, with police seeking information, surveillance video released, and multiple rewards offered.
PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for a suspect after an apparent arson attack at the Northeast Islamic Center on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue, according to authorities. Several rewards have been announced for information leading to an arrest, and surveillance video from inside the mosque shows a masked person carrying a bag before flames erupted.
What we know:
Officers and Philadelphia Fire Department personnel responded to a fire at the Northeast Islamic Center on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue at approximately 2:11 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
The Philadelphia Fire Department put out the fire, which was located in the enclosed front porch area of the building. The Islamic Center was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported, according to police.
Philadelphia Fire Marshals determined the fire was incendiary and classified it as arson.
The Northeast Detective Division is now leading the investigation.
Dig deeper:
Surveillance video from inside the Northeast Islamic Center shows a person with a mask covering their face, wearing a jacket, hoodie, and gloves, and carrying a bag, according to footage described by the mosque’s president.
The video shows the person approaching, then leaving in a hurry without the bag.
"This guy wear the jacket, hoodie, cover up his mouth, also gloves," said Mashuqul Khan, president of the Northeast Islamic Center.
Police are hoping the public can help identify the suspect and make an arrest.
A food delivery person saw the fire and called 911, which may have prevented further damage. "If it is 15 minutes late, maybe building gone," said Khan.
Local perspective:
The president of the Northeast Islamic Center said the attack has hurt the community.
"This is hurt us. This is hurt our community," said Khan. Members prayed in a small area in the rear of the property, expressing sadness but gratitude for the support received from other faith communities.
"We a lot of phone calls, emails from the Jewish community, Christian community also Buddhist community. They call and say we are behind of you," said Khan.
The mosque had an extension underway to be used as office space, summer school, and classrooms to teach Arabic.
The damage from the fire happened on the existing property.
Rewards and next steps in the investigation
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has pledged a $2,500 reward in the case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced a $5,000 reward.
Philadelphia Chairman Omar Sabir is scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday and offer a personal reward.
"You think, this could have been the mosque that I go to. Or someone else thinks it could have been my synagogue, my church, my temple. It's really shocking," said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR.
The mosque has also launched a GoFundMe campaign for support.
What's next:
Police are working to identify those responsible.
The investigation remains active, and police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).
No arrests have been made, and police have not released any information about possible suspects or motives.
What we don't know:
Police have not released details about how the fire was started, possible suspects, or a motive. It is also unclear if there is any surveillance footage or witnesses.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department.