MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Federal prosecutors are taking criminal action related to a mosque under construction in Tennessee that's been hit by arsonists and vandals and opposed in court.
U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin is holding a news conference Thursday afternoon at the building site of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. Agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also will attend.
Officials from those federal agencies declined to release more details before the announcement.
A judge recently voided Rutherford County's approval for construction ruling for mosque opponents who argued there wasn't sufficient public notice.
Martin previously jumped into that court battle to rebut claims that Islam isn't a recognized religion entitled to civil rights protections.
The ATF and FBI have been investigating the 2010 arson of construction equipment.