HOUSTON, TX—Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the November 5, 2023, fire at the Huyen Trang Temple in New Caney, Texas.

At the announcement, SAC Williams was joined by partners at the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF.

On November 5, 2023, at approximately 9:43 p.m., an unidentified person threw a Molotov cocktail through an open window of the temple, starting a fire in the main place of worship where a monk was asleep on the floor. The act was captured by surveillance cameras on the property.

“While we don’t yet know the suspect’s motive in this case, his attempt to burn down the Buddhist temple in New Caney is disgraceful,” said SAC Williams. “The FBI, as the law enforcement protector of civil rights in this country, has the duty to protect all Americans in their free exercise of religious beliefs by vigorously prosecuting those who target houses of worship. Our churches and temples should be safe havens for all people, not sites subjected to intimidation, destruction, and violence.”

Investigators believe the suspect is a man who is between 5’8” and 5’10” tall. He wore a Nike backpack, a ballcap, gloves, distinctive military-style boots, and a neck gaiter which covered the lower part of his face.

The FBI’s “Seeking Information” posters in English and Spanish are attached. They can also be found online at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-information.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the arson at the Buddhist temple.

Anyone with information in this case should contact the FBI’s Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.