An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman that allegedly set fire to the Islamic Center of New Mexico in Albuquerque in November.
According to KRQE News, 43-year-old Isela Camerena was caught on video starting a fire and throwing items on fire onto the Islamic Center playground. Camerena is now facing a third-degree felony arson charge.
“We are really relieved and thrilled to know that FBI and APD have identified a suspect,” Tahir Gauba Director of Public Affairs for the Islamic Center of New Mexico said, according to KRQE News.
The Islamic Center is asking for the fire to be investigated as a possible hate crime because the woman appeared to start the fire with "seemingly malicious intent." Court documents report that The Islamic Center suffered $2,800 in damage to the building and needed $9,000 to fix the playground and replace damaged turf.
The Islamic Center said they are investing in more than $20,000 worth of security updates as a result of the arson.
“It’s been a nightmare but like I say, we love New Mexico and this is our home to us. So, we’re going to do everything to make sure anyone who walks into Islamic Center, they feel secure praying or even visiting us,” Gauba said.
