Early Morning Fire Heavily Damages Prior Lake Mosque; State and Federal Investigators Called In
Published: December 8, 2025 | Updated: December 8, 2025 at 1:50pm.
PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA: An early-morning fire caused extensive damage to the Masjid Hamza Al-Mahmood Foundation and Baitul Hikmah Academy in Prior Lake on Monday, prompting a large, multi-agency response and triggering state and federal investigations. Muslim community leaders are expected to speak publicly this afternoon as concern grows over a recent surge in attacks on Minnesota mosques.
According to officials with the City of Prior Lake, the fire was first reported at 2:22 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, when a neighbor called Scott County dispatch to report flames coming from the building at 5995 Timber Trail SE. The Prior Lake Fire Department arrived on scene within minutes, at 2:29 a.m., and found visible flames breaking through the roof of the structure.
Firefighters attempted both interior and exterior attacks; however, the intensity and spread of the fire ultimately forced crews to retreat from inside the building. A portion of the roof later collapsed, further complicating suppression efforts. The building was searched early in the response, and officials confirmed no one was inside at the time of the fire. No injuries to firefighters or members of the public were reported.
Multiple neighboring agencies assisted in the response, including fire crews from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Savage, Shakopee, Jordan, Elko New Market, and Lakeville.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. However, because the structure is a religious institution, the incident automatically triggers a full investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Both agencies are now involved in determining the origin and cause of the blaze.
CAIR-Minnesota News Conference
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) held a news conference at the scene of the fire this afternoon to respond to the incident and address community concerns.
Mosque Attacks Rising in Minnesota, CAIR Warns
In its statement, CAIR-MN strongly urged all mosques and places of worship to increase security measures and report suspicious activity immediately, citing a disturbing statewide trend.
According to CAIR-MN, Minnesota has experienced more than 40 mosque attacks in the past three years, the highest level in the nation, resulting in over $3 million in damages. Six of those incidents involved arson, including three serious arson attacks. The organization encouraged faith leaders to utilize CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” which includes guidance applicable to all houses of worship.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report: Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which found that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
CAIR-Minnesota describes its mission as protecting civil rights, enhancing understanding of Islam, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
Investigation Ongoing
Both the State Fire Marshal and ATF will continue examining the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
This remains a developing story, and Limitless Media News will provide updates as more information becomes available from Prior Lake authorities and investigators.
Written by: Will Wight
Images provided by: The City of Prior Lake.
