NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 36-year-old man is facing federal charges after a violent multi-borough arson spree that included throwing Molotov cocktails at two Queens churches and firebombing a Brooklyn smoke shop while wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, authorities said.
Investigators arrested Yogesh Sayrange on Thursday, linking him to at least seven other acts of arson over the past two weeks, including an attack on an ambulette service.
According to federal prosecutors, Sayrange explicitly targeted the Brooklyn store because of the victims' faith. During Thursday's arraignment Sayrange told investigators, “Yes, I f—ing firebombed them. They’re Muslims, scum and terrorists,” officials said.
When Sayrange was apprehended following the Wednesday night church attacks, he was allegedly found carrying two additional Molotov cocktails in his bag and told police, “I was going to finish the job.”
Federal prosecutors are now seeking to indict him for the church fire-bombings as well. During his appearance in Brooklyn Federal Court, Sayrange repeatedly interrupted the proceedings with profanity and outbursts, prompting the judge to order him held without bail as the investigation continues.
