Man set Minnesota mosque on fire with day care full of kids inside

In a case that sent shockwaves through the local Muslim community, a Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to charges related to an arson attack on a mosque that endangered the lives of children and adults. Jackie Rahm Little, 38, admitted his guilt to federal charges of arson and damage to religious property, as confirmed in a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

On April 24, 2023, Little brought a container of gasoline to the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque in Bloomington, deliberately setting a fire in a third-floor hallway and stairwell. At the time, approximately 40 children were in a daycare on the lower level, along with adults who were also in the building. A criminal complaint details how the fire forced a frantic evacuation of everyone inside. Surveillance video captured Little's arrival and entry into the mosque just before the fire was started.

This attack was not an isolated incident. The day before, Little had targeted another sacred space, the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis, where he allegedly started a fire in a bathroom. He was interrupted by a staff member and fled the scene. These acts, along with other accusations of vandalism and hateful communications, paint a clear picture of a targeted campaign of intimidation and violence against the Muslim community.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson condemned the actions, stating, "When someone sets fire to a house of worship, it is not only a federal crime, it is an attack on the heart of a community." His words underscore the profound emotional and psychological impact these acts have on victims. The Muslim community has long been a target of such assaults, and each incident serves as a painful reminder of the prejudice and danger they face.

The guilty plea provides a sense of justice for the community, but the emotional scars remain. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries, safe spaces for people to gather, pray, and find peace. When that sense of safety is shattered, it leaves a lasting impact on all who are part of the community. The case of Jackie Rahm Little is a sobering reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with victims of hate crimes and ensuring that those who seek to terrorize communities are held accountable. Little is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20.