LAS VEGAS -- A massive fire at a construction site in the northeast part of Las Vegas now has the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI involved.
Construction was not complete at what was to be an Islamic cemetery, mortuary, and community center when the fire broke out. The facility is near Carey Avenue and Lamb Boulevard.
Las Vegas police say they consider this a place of worship, which is why federal investigators are now involved.
Flames lit the skies early this morning, as Clark County Firefighters worked to put out the massive fire. By daybreak, fire crews had control of the blaze, and firefighters were able to confirm it was to be an Islamic site for burial, a community center, and a mortuary.
Metro says it is too soon to determine if it's a hate crime. An Islamic couple owns the building, and says the center was to be opened earlier this month, but ran into some delays. They are vowing to rebuild, and wonder who or why someone would do this.
"It was very mean. It was not a good thing. This was for the community -- we personally are not taking anything out of it. Other than when I die, I will probably have a grave here. Other than that, there was not much benefit to me personally," said property owner Dr. Bashir Chowdhry.
Metro says one person has been arrested and considered a person of interest. Based on their criminal background, they have questions why they were in this area when the fire started.
This photo show the building prior to the fire. Courtesy: Review-Journal
