Vincent Lang, 60, Indicted for Arson at Philadelphia Mosque

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that Vincent Lang, 60, has been indicted in connection with an arson fire that broke out in early July at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. Prosecutors allege Lang targeted the facility specifically because it functions as a mosque.

According to the indictment, Lang intentionally damaged and attempted to damage the center during the early hours of July 5 by deliberately igniting a fire. The Justice Department confirmed he has been held in federal custody since his arrest in mid-July.

Charges and potential penalties

The indictment includes two counts: one for willful destruction by fire of a building used in interstate commerce, and another for damaging religious property. It states explicitly that Lang committed the act “because of the religious character of the facility — namely, that it is a mosque.”

If convicted on both counts, Lang faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of five years. Local media reported no injuries resulted from the incident.

A Reuters report noted that efforts to reach a representative for Lang for comment were unsuccessful.