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Mosque members assess damage, ask for help finding arsonist

Posted at 11:45 AM, Sep 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-14 11:45:38-04

Mosque members were seen returning to the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce Wednesday. 

Overnight the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office took down crime scene tape and removed their mobile command center from the front of the building.

Deputies say they have concluded their "on-scene investigation" and are now looking for the person responsible.

Tuesday a sheriff's spokesperson said they had only received eight tips from the public. They were asking people to call if they knew anything about the person seen on footage from mosque surveillance cameras. 

Through additional publicity, they've been able to get additional tips and they are now following up on those leads. 

Mosque leaders say they've gotten several calls from people offering their support. If possible, they plan to rebuild the mosque damaged from Sunday's fire.

Investigators say a man poured an accelerant on the building's doors and set it on fire. A state crime lab is working to determine what kind of accelerant was used. 

For tips call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at (800) 273-8477.