A brazen act of hatred and intolerance has been met with justice in the Volunteer State. On February 9, 2008, Eric Ian Baker, 34, and his accomplices set fire to the Islamic Center of Columbia, Tenn., a desecration that will forever be etched in the memories of the community.
In a guilty plea, Baker admitted to constructing Molotov cocktail devices, igniting them, and using them to destroy the mosque. Furthermore, he confessed to painting swastikas and the phrase ‘White Power’ on the mosque in the course of the arson.
The heinous crime sent shockwaves throughout the nation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee vowed to bring those responsible to justice. After a thorough investigation, Baker was charged with destruction of religious property and using fire to commit a felony.
On September 18, 2009, Baker pleaded guilty to the charges, and on [no date given], Senior Judge Robert L. Echols of the Middle District of Tennessee sentenced him to 183 months in prison.
The case was a testament to the strength and resilience of the community, who came together to support one another in the aftermath of the devastating attack. As Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez noted, ‘The right to worship without fear of this kind of violent interference is among our most fundamental civil rights.’
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tennessee State Bomb and Arson, and the Columbia, Tenn., Police Department collaborated on the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal McDonough and Trial Attorney Jonathan Skrmetti prosecuting the case.
Defendant: Eric Ian Baker
Criminal Charges: Destruction of religious property and using fire to commit a felony
City and State: Columbia, Tennessee
Date: February 9, 2008 (crime date), September 18, 2009 (plea), [no date given] (sentencing)
Sentence: 183 months in prison
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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