“The suspect at the heart of the Islamic Center of the Eastside arson reportedly has a history of contentious interactions at the mosque — including a conviction for malicious mischief — but law enforcement officials are shying away from calling it a hate crime.”
That’s odd. If Isaac Wayne Wilson has “a history of contentious interactions at the mosque,” wouldn’t law enforcement officials have ample evidence of “words or actions” showing “that the perpetrator was targeting a community because of feelings of animosity towards them”?
Unless, of course, Isaac Wayne Wilson’s “contentious interactions” at the mosque have nothing to do with it being a mosque or with the Muslim identity of the people who go there. Is Isaac Wayne Wilson himself a Muslim? Is this yet another fake anti-Muslim hate crime? Certainly it was touted as one, as so far there is no evidence that it is one.
“UPDATE | Islamic Center arsonist apprehended, no early indications of hate crime or terrorism,” by Allison DeAngelis, Bellevue Reporter, January 14, 2017 (thanks to M.):
The suspect at the heart of the Islamic Center of the Eastside arson reportedly has a history of contentious interactions at the mosque — including a conviction for malicious mischef [sic] — but law enforcement officials are shying away from calling it a hate crime.
Isaac Wayne Wilson, 37, has been booked into King County Jail under suspicion of arson. He is believed to have acted alone when setting fire to the mosque on Jan. 14 and causing extensive damage.
Fire crews arriving at 14700 Main St. around 2:45 a.m. Saturday found 40-foot flames coming from the rear of the mosque, which has been a mainstay in Bellevue for decades. Wilson was located by police while laying in the mosque’s parking lot.
Firefighters quickly deployed multiple hose lines and were able to extinguish the flames, according to Bellevue Fire spokesperson Ryan Armstrong. No firefighters or civilians were injured.
Thorough salvage operations were conducted to preserve holy books and electronic equipment in the building.
The fire caused substantial damage to the mosque and is being investigated as an arson. Officials say there is no indication it was an act of terrorism or linked to other anti-Muslim incidents on the Eastside. Investigators believe that he is the sole perpetrator based on Wilson’s statements, video footage and other evidence.
Members of law enforcement revealed at a press conference later that day that Wilson has an extensive criminal history and has had several run-ins at the mosque, including one within recent months for which he was arrested and sentenced to probation. However, both the police department and a representative from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said that they are not comfortable calling it a hate crime at this time.
“At this point, we haven’t seen any evidence that this is a hate crime,” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mike Hogan said. “A hate crime is proven by words or actions that the perpetrator was targeting a community because of feelings of animosity towards them.”
Nor do investigators believe it was an act of terrorism. Because the arson occurred at a place of worship, Bellevue Police will be working with members of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives during the investigation….

Allan Mandrowski says
I am so tired of Islam and that it’s in the news every damn day. I remember in the 90s we would go days or weeks without reading anything about Islam. Nowadays it pops up every day and unsurprisingly, negatively 99% of the time.
JawsV says
Try the ’80’s. Nothing, absolutely nothing, about Islam. Oh the halcyon days without Islam!
Alarmed Pig Farmer says
It was even better than what you say. Those were the salad days, with millions of Arabe Moslems and Persian Moslems killing each other for years. Exhausted, the Moslems kind of took a break for a few years during the 90s, with the exceptions of Murrah and the WTC bombing.
Allan Mandrowski says
Those were the times…. 🙁
JawsV says
The Feb 1993 WTC bombing didn’t really enter my consciousness. It was September 11, 2001, that did it.
David says
Satans house undivided! Islam started with Muhammad having satan kicking Muhammads ass & saying make a book of evil in the cave! When anyone studies Islam you will find out that it is another one of satans cults! Anyone can try to deny but the truth will show out!!!
Joe says
Mosques are a hate crime.
abad says
I would go one step further and say mosques (terrorist training centers) teach hate crimes
Salome says
‘Hate crime’–because you normally only commit violent crimes against those whom you love.
JawsV says
“preserve holy books” in the mosk?
You mean the unholy Koran? Let them all burn!
Angemon says
Indeed.
theendofthedemonrat says
This man is a hero. Won’t Obama give him a medal too? lol
ibrahim itace muhammed says
mr spencer,so,this is not an act of terrorism because it is a non-muslim who did it?it can only be called act of terrorism if a muslim set fire to a church.if it is proved to be sponsored by christians or jews, it is merely treated as hate crime carrying lighter punisment,not terrorism carrying death penaltyor life imprisonment.where are the equality and fairness preached in the christian west.you mean muslims are not entitled to it?to me, it is just a myth.how do you see it,mr spencer?
phoc_gyuu says
Not correct, Mo. Nidal Hasan wasn’t charged with terrorism. Remember, the guy shouting “Allahu Akbar” when he shot up Fort Hood? Yeah, not even a hate crime. Just workplace violence,according to Obomba. ‘Member?
Al Rosenthal says
What is not mentioned in this article is the Isaac Wilson was homeless and the problem we have in Seattle and the suburbs that surround Seattle is that the Mayors and City Councils are providing services that attract homeless from all over the country. I have data that proves that the Seattle areas homeless is an imported problem and that they are committing significant crime but no news media will report any thing bad about the homeless. The police hate the fact that homeless are being attracted to the area, but City Hall does not care what the police think.
This is not a hate crime, this is a crime committed by the homeless.
Terry says
A few years ago, in Chiacago, during/beginign of the winter, a person who had spent many years in and out of prison committed some crime, in full view of the police. When asked why, his reply ewas something liek-in jail I get 3 meals ( a day), a place to sleep, no costs, medical care—–.
perhaps that is why this man did the crime. better than sleeping in the streets.