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Police arrest man suspected in Molotov cocktail attack on 2 religious buildings in Queens

Published Jul 9, 2026 at 8:03 a.m. ET

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Police have arrested a man who allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at two different houses of worship in Queens overnight, NYPD officials said.

Officers in Ozone Park received a 911 call just before midnight Wednesday reporting criminal mischief at Iglesia Bautista “El Mesias,” a Baptist church on 75th Street and 101st Avenue.

When they arrived at the scene, they were informed that a 36-year-old man had thrown a Molotov cocktail at the door of the building. It bounced onto the ground, where it exploded and caused a small fire on the sidewalk, police said.

The same suspect then walked about 10 minutes north to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on 78th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, and threw another Molotov cocktail at the door of that building, according to the NYPD. It struck the door and hit the ground, causing another small fire.

Police said neither building was damaged, and no injuries were reported. The FDNY responded to both fires and extinguished them.

Officials said the man, whose last known address is in Queens, was taken into custody shortly afterwards, and they were still investigating his motives early Thursday.

Police said the suspect's identity would be released once he is charged.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected] .

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