There are new developments in the religious tensions in Jacksonville. The evening before Parvez Ahmed was to take his seat on the City’s Human Rights Commission there was an attempted arson at the local Islamic Center at which he is a member. No one was injured in the explosion that occurred shortly before evening prayers on Monday, and the fire it caused was put out with a fire extinguisher.

A security video showed a white man carrying what appeared to be a gas can.

The incident is being investigated by local and federal authorities as a possible hate crime. Interfaith Leaders including those at the Amity Turkish Center and OneJax denounced the attack as Muslim leaders called for more understanding and tolerance.

Ed. note: For RD’s coverage of Ahmed’s confirmation hearing, see Ingersoll’s May 7 piece.