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Minnesota Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Twin Cities Mosque Arsons

The judge cited arson’s severity after permitting prosecution only once the defendant received treatment for a new schizophrenia diagnosis.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Ann Montgomery imposed 70 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and more than $378,000 in restitution.
  • Jackie Rahm Little pleaded guilty to arson and damage to religious property for April 2023 fires at Masjid Al-Rahma in Bloomington and the Masjid Omar Islamic Center in Minneapolis.
  • Investigators cited surveillance showing Little entering a mosque with a bag holding a gas can, a melted can at the fire source, and gas-station video of him buying and filling a can.
  • No one was physically injured, but adults and children were evacuated during the incidents, which authorities and advocates said rattled the community’s sense of safety.
  • In court Little apologized to the Muslim community and described a schizophrenic episode, while prosecutors emphasized lasting trauma and supported the 70-month term.