Have You Seen Woman Sought in Arson, Hate Crime at Colorado Muslim Society?

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office doesn't describe a fire started at the Colorado Muslim Society as a hate crime — at least not yet. But the folks at the society certainly do, even though the woman seen in surveillance footage around the time the flames came to life wears what...

By Michael Roberts

May 27, 2015

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The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office doesn't describe a fire started at the Colorado Muslim Society as a hate crime — at least not yet.

But the folks at the society certainly do, even though the woman seen in surveillance footage around the time the flames came to life wears what appears to be traditional Muslim garb.

According to the ACSO, the blaze started at around 6 p.m. on May 8.

The location: a stairwell inside the Colorado Muslim Society, 2071 South Parker Road.

Around that time, surveillance footage at the society captured the image of the woman seen above.

The sheriff's office doesn't specifically describe her as a suspect. Rather, she's said to possibly have "information that would assist with the investigation."

As for the fire itself, CBS4 reveals that it was set with the use of an unnamed book splashed with an accelerant. Here's one look at the results....

...and another:

In a conversation with the station, Colorado Muslim Society office manager Kamal Hassan makes it clear that he and others see the fire as an attack.

“We have to know who tried to destroy our organization,” he says, adding, "It is a hate crime because you are harming the community of the Muslims."

If you recognize the woman in the photograph or other helpful knowledge, you're encouraged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720=913-STOP (7867), which is offering a reward of up to $2,000 in the case.

Here's the aforementioned CBS4 report.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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