⏱ 2 min read
Vincent Lang, 60, is accused of setting fire to the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center on July 5, 2026, in a hate crime that has shaken the community. The arson attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, and Lang has been detained in federal custody since his July 16 arrest. The fire damaged the mosque, located on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue, and was allegedly motivated by the religious character of the property.
Lang has been charged with one count of malicious damage by means of fire to a building used in interstate commerce and one count of damage to religious real property. The indictment alleges that Lang carried out the act because of the religious character of the property, making it a hate crime.
The Department of Justice has vowed to protect Americans’ right to practice their religion without fear of intimidation or violence. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon announced the charges, stating that the case demonstrates their resolve to protect the core constitutional liberty of religion.
The FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement agencies have been working together to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice. The agencies have emphasized their commitment to pursuing those who threaten the safety and wellbeing of the community, particularly in cases motivated by bias.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: hate crime
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
