Man convicted of hate crime, arson in Texas mosque torching

[TexasTowelie]

Source: AP

VICTORIA, TEXAS — A man accused of torching a South Texas mosque last year has been convicted of federal arson and explosives charges and of a hate crime charge.

A jury in Victoria, Texas, deliberated about three hours before finding 26-year-old Marq Vincent Perez guilty.

Prosecutor Sharad Khandelwal said during the trial that a "rabid hatred" of Muslims led Perez to set fire last year to an Islamic center in Victoria, destroying the building. Another prosecutor asserted that Perez aimed to terrorize the Muslim community in the middle Texas Gulf Coast area and to cause damage and destruction.

Perez, who denied involvement in the blaze, could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/local/man-convicted-hate-crime-arson-texas-mosque-torching/T0I8vCP1M5IPwSjB643K0I/

[Leghorn21]

1. "could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison"

OKAY THEN

Thanks, Texas, great, GREAT NEWS

[TexasTowelie]

3. You're welcome.

It will be interesting to see what the repercussions are for the minor that testified against Perez. It is reassuring to know that the prosecution had a strong case.

[iluvtennis]

2. Excellent news!

[TexasBushwhacker]

4. The community really came together when it happened

A leader of the local synagogue just went over and gave them the keys so they could continue to have services.

https://www-m.cnn.com/2017/02/02/us/mosque-burns-synagogue-keys-trnd/index.html