John Lhota, Arson of Rash Nightclub, New York 2022

A brazen act of arson has shaken the LGBTQ+ community in Brooklyn. John Lhota, a 24-year-old Brooklyn man, has been arrested and charged with deliberately setting fire to Rash, a bar and nightclub in Bushwick, on April 3, 2022.

According to the federal complaint, Lhota was captured on security video purchasing a red gas canister at a service station and filling it with gasoline. He then proceeded to Rash, where he allegedly poured gasoline over the floor of the bar. The video showed Lhota tossing a lit cigarette on the floor, but the gasoline did not ignite. Lhota then used a cigarette lighter to ignite the gasoline, causing an explosion and a fire.

The floors above Rash contain residential apartments. Firefighters responded to the location and extinguished the blaze. Two employees of Rash were injured and required hospitalization. The building sustained heavy damage due to the fire. Security video captured Lhota fleeing the burning nightclub.

“As alleged, Lhota deliberately set fire to a bar and nightclub patronized by members of the LGBTQ+ community, seriously injuring two of its employees, and endangering all present including the tenants of the building as well as the first responders who battled the blaze for approximately one hour,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.

Lhota faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney John O. Enright is in charge of the prosecution.

The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and Lhota is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. His initial appearance is scheduled for today before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann.

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