Orlando nightclub shooter's mosque damaged in arson attack

The mosque attended by the American Muslim mass murderer Omar Mateen has been damaged in an arson attack.

Mateen murdered 49 people and wounded 53 the worst mass shooting in US history at the gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida in June. He was himself killed in a police shootout.

Flames were seen rising from the mosque and police called, according to Major David Thompson of St Lucie County Sheriff's office.

The attack occurred at the start of the Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Adha.

 Thompson said the attacker was caught on security cameras: "Immediately after the individual approached, a flash occurred and the individual fled the area." 

Mateen himself was initially reported to have been a patron of the club and to have used gay dating websites, but the FBI has said it has not substantiated these claims. According to the CIA, no links have been found between Mateena and Islamic State.

The US Muslim Moner Mohammad Abu Salha, who drove suicide bomb truck into a restaurant in Ariha, Syria in 2014 killing several members of the Syrian armed forces at the same time, attended the same mosque.

There have been several incidents around the mosque targeting Muslims since the shooting.

Additional reporting by Reuters. 

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.