NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 24-year-old man is facing up to 40 years in prison for the April 3 arson of a Brooklyn LGBTQ+ nightclub, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.
According to the criminal complaint, on the evening of April 3, John Lhota was captured on security video purchasing a red gas canister at a service station and filling it with gasoline.
Lhota then proceeded to Rash, located on the ground floor of a multi-story building at 941 Willoughby Avenue in Bushwick, where he allegedly poured gasoline over the floor of the bar. The video showed Lhota tossing a lit cigarette on the floor, but the gasoline did not ignite.
Prosecutors said the defendant then used a cigarette lighter to ignite the gasoline, causing an explosion and a fire. The floors above Rash contain residential apartments. Firefighters responded to the location and extinguished the blaze.
Two Rash employees were injured and required hospitalization. The building sustained heavy damage due to the fire. Security video captured Lhota fleeing the burning nightclub.
Lhota was arrested on Wednesday and was due to make his initial appearance on Thursday afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann.
"As alleged, Lhota deliberately set fire to a bar and nightclub patronized by members of the LGBTQ+ community, seriously injuring two of its employees, and endangering all present including the tenants of the building as well as the first responders who battled the blaze for approximately one hour," said United States Attorney Breon Peace.
He added, "This Office strongly condemns such acts of violence, and will vigorously prosecute this case. The victims, and all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, should be able to enjoy their nights out in peace and without fear of such a dangerous attack."
If convicted, Lhota faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years in prison.
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