Mosque Fire Was Surely Intentional

(CNN) -- A mosque in Joplin, Missouri, was burned to the ground early Monday, just over a month after an attempted arson at the Islamic center, officials said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the latest fire. The mosque's security cameras were destroyed in the blaze, according to Sharon Rhine of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

Kimberly Kester, another member, said the blaze was so intense that the building's bricks were still sizzling hours after the fire.

Carl Junction Fire Chief Bill Dunn called it a "complete loss."

Though investigators haven't determined the cause, Kester suspects it to be another incident of arson.

The FBI is already investigating a fire that scorched the roof of the building on July 4 and has offered a $15,000 reward in conjunction with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The bureau has released surveillance video and a photograph of a man caught on surveillance cameras throwing some sort of incendiary device onto the building in that incident.

The message is pretty clear.  In an area known for its small-minded attitude towards "other" religions, this attack on the mosque threatens members and their freedom to worship.

It is rare that I'm this ashamed of my fellow Missourians.  Right now, I am so embarrassed by these actions that I don't even have words to capture my feelings.  The locals are split between my reaction and the polar opposite.  Trust me, I've heard dozens of times how "they" deserved what happened, and the only tragedy was that there wasn't anyone inside.

Religious tolerance at its best.