A man accused of carrying out a string of Molotov cocktail attacks across Queens is facing federal charges after authorities say he targeted Churches and businesses over several weeks.
According to the New York Post, prosecutors allege 36-year-old Yogesh Sayrange threw incendiary devices at two Churches late Wednesday before being arrested hours later.
Investigators believe he may be connected to a total of seven arson incidents dating back to June.
According to federal prosecutors, Sayrange admitted to throwing Molotov cocktails at Iglesia Bautista El Mesias in Ozone Park and a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Woodhaven. Authorities also said he confessed to a separate Attack on a deli.
During questioning, investigators said Sayrange admitted to the deli firebombing and made inflammatory comments about the business. Prosecutors said they are continuing to investigate whether he was responsible for the broader series of attacks.
Surveillance video released by authorities allegedly shows the suspect outside the Ozone Park church before lighting a Molotov cocktail and throwing it over a gate toward the building’s entrance.
Prosecutors said he then walked less than a mile and allegedly attacked the Jehovah’s Witnesses building similarly.
Firefighters extinguished the fires, and officials said no injuries or significant property damage were reported at either church.
Investigators also said a third Molotov cocktail was thrown at an ambulette service building around the same time. That incident also resulted in no reported injuries or significant damage.
Police arrested Sayrange shortly after midnight Thursday. Prosecutors said officers found two additional Molotov cocktails inside his bag at the time of his arrest.
The suspect appeared in federal court Thursday, where prosecutors charged him in connection with an alleged Attack on a smoke shop that they say occurred while he was wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.
Authorities said they expect the ongoing investigation to address the additional incidents as well.
During the hearing, Sayrange repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, argued with the judge and prosecutor, and denied the allegations despite prosecutors' claims that he confessed during questioning.
Federal officials said Sayrange, a Guyanese citizen, was ordered held without bail as the investigation into the alleged firebombing spree continues.