Reward Offered in Failed Arson Attempt at Ohio Lodge

Photo: Mason Lodge 678 in Mason, Ohio

by Christopher Hodapp

A Masonic temple in a Cincinnati, Ohio suburb escaped what might have been a serious arson fire last month when an incendiary device that was thrown through a window failed to ignite. But police and federal authorities are taking the unsuccessful attack dead seriously, and now the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Photo:ATF

Shortly after lodge members left Mason Lodge 678 in Mason, Ohio on the night of September 25th, an unknown person was recorded on surveillance cameras approaching the single-story building. The person smashed open the lodge's kitchen window and hurled a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid through the broken glass. The improvised firebomb had a wad of matches attached to the top that failed to ignite the fluid, landing harmlessly on the floor, where it was found the next day.

Photo: Fox 19

Local police and the ATF are investigating the failed attack as a probable hate crime. From the WLWT-9 website:

"Because it was an considered to be an incendiary device, that was considered a weapon of mass destruction, and because we are a Masonic Lodge, it was declared a hate crime," Rob Fite with Mason Temple Lodge 678 said.

Fite says the Masonic Temple is a fraternal organization that is built on service and community. He said he hopes investigators can find whoever is responsible for the attack.

The bureau says that it is a federal crime to maliciously damage or destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy, with a fire or explosive, carrying a minimum sentence of 5 to 20 years in prison.

Anyone with information about the possible suspect is asked to contact the ATF at 1-888-283-8477 or by using their website. Those with information can also contact the Mason, Ohio Police Department at 513-229-8560.