Arson suspect Randy Linn has been handed over to the federal court for setting fire to the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo.
Paul Dobson, the prosecutor from Wood County said, "The transfer of charges is being done even as we speak. And the transfer of the custody of Mr. Linn into federal custody is being taken right now."
Linn has now been charged with felony hate crimes for damaging religious property.
"The charge in this case was that he targeted this mosque because it was a mosque. Because of its religious character," said US Attorney Steve Dettelbach.
The report states Linn was heard recently making anti-muslim remarks. It also says that he purchased two handguns just over one month ago.
But perhaps even more terrifying for its implications, the report says Linn was seen in the video surveillance not only carrying a gas can he used to start the fire, but also what appeared to be a firearm.
"What we have charged, and what we would consider is essentially an act of terrorism," said Dobson.
But just as this case was being brought to the attention of the media, the victims opened their doors, or rather their tent, to everyone wanting to attend their service.
They are currently holding their services in a tent until their mosque is repaired.
Folks from the mosque say community support has helped remind them why they call the glass city home.
United Muslims of Toledo President S. Maseeh Rehman said, "We are very proud about being citizens of Toledo. And we have had a lot of love. The outpouring of support for this incident has been amazing."
They say it may take a while to get over the incident, but the damage will be repaired. And they will continue to spread a better understanding of their faith.
"Everybody, and as a muslim community, we have been working on it. We will keep working on it for as long as it takes to achieve our goals," said Rehman
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