Trump blamed for burned US mosque

Authorities were investigating a suspected arson attack against a mosque in California, and members of the congregation blamed Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump for fanning the flames of anti-Muslim sentiment.

Officials at the Islamic Society of Palm Springs in Coachella told local media that someone had “fire-bombed” the mosque at around noon as Friday prayers were getting underway.

At least four early-arriving worshipers and the mosque’s imam fled for their lives after the front of their holy house was engulfed by flames. No casualties were reported from the incident.

A group of Muslims gathered in front of the mosque in prayer shortly after the fire was extinguished.