New York City — A 36-year-old man was arrested Thursday after police say he hurled Molotov cocktails at two houses of worship in Queens late Wednesday night, with authorities linking him to a third incident nearby. No injuries were reported, and the buildings sustained no significant damage.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the first attack occurred just after 11:35 p.m. on July 8 at the Iglesia Bautista El Mesias church on 75th Street in Ozone Park. Surveillance video captured the suspect lighting and throwing an incendiary device at the front door. The device bounced off, exploded on the ground, and caused a small fire that was quickly extinguished.
The suspect then traveled about half a mile north to the Interborough Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall on 78th Street in Woodhaven. There, he allegedly threw a second Molotov cocktail at the door, which similarly bounced off and ignited a brief ground fire with no structural damage.
A third Molotov cocktail was reported at a nearby building on Rockaway Boulevard, close to the Kingdom Hall. Police recovered additional devices from the suspect’s possession at the time of his arrest.
Yogesh Sayrange, 36, was taken into custody early Thursday. He faces charges related to the incidents, and authorities have also questioned him in connection with other crimes, including possible thefts of religious statues and prior arsons. He appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon.
More Read
Community members expressed shock and concern. A representative from the Iglesia Bautista El Mesias told reporters the congregation has “no enemies” and was puzzled by the attack. Neighbors in the area, which includes families and children, described the incidents as troubling.
Ozone Park Residents Block Association Board President Sam Esposito condemned the acts as “hate-filled attacks” on religious institutions.
The NYPD’s quick response, aided by surveillance footage, led to the rapid arrest. Investigators continue to probe the motive behind the targeted attacks on Christian and Jehovah’s Witnesses’ properties.
More Read
As of Thursday evening, charges against Sayrange were pending. Police urged anyone with additional information to contact the NYPD.
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as more details emerge from the investigation.
