As a group of about 50 congregants attended a worship service at a Seattle-based church, an arsonist hurled several Molotov cocktails toward the sanctuary.
Witnesses told authorities they saw a person throwing lit bottles filled with an unknown substance at Iglesia ni Cristo just after 8 p.m. Thursday and immediately called 9-1-1, according to KCPQ-TV.
New surveillance video across the street from church fire shows what appears to be several Molotov cocktails exploding against front of church. Fire put out quickly, no one hurt but hunt still on for arson suspect (s) #Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/GeynXGGkLx
— John Hopperstad (@JohnHopperstad) October 19, 2018
Can see glow from flames in surveillance video from parking lot across street from church where someone threw Molotov cocktails during a service. Fortunately no one hurt. #Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/imH8CkEV4h
— John Hopperstad (@JohnHopperstad) October 19, 2018
The Molotov cocktails started a fire outside the church, Seattle Fire spokeswoman Kristen Tinsley said, causing minor damage to the exterior of the building. No injuries have been reported.
Officials with the Seattle Police Arson and Bomb Squad are investigating the situation to determine a suspect. Some church members reported confronting a group of men outside the sanctuary a few days before the incident.
Church members at Iglesia ni Cristo in Rainier Valley say they confronted group of men outside church a few days before Molotov cocktails tossed in entrance last night. Police still looking for suspects. 50 people in church when arsonist attacked, no one hurt. #Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/saOrbaeK3g
— John Hopperstad (@JohnHopperstad) October 19, 2018
Investigators are still gathering evidence and do not at this point have any leads.