Brooklyn Firebomb Suspect Indicted After Attacks On Queens Churches

BROOKLYN, NY— A federal grand jury indicted a 36-year-old man on Thursday, advancing a case that began after prosecutors linked him to a series of alleged Molotov cocktail attacks across New York City.

Yogesh Sayrange was indicted on federal charges of arson and possessing a destructive device.

According to the indictment, Sayrange used fire and an explosive to damage a commercial business on Fulton Street in Brooklyn on June 25.

The charges stem from a fire at a store near Fulton and Crescent streets in Cypress Hills.

According to a federal criminal complaint, the device used in the attack was an incendiary device made from a glass bottle containing an ignitable liquid and other materials.

The complaint describes surveillance video that allegedly showed a person wearing an “Anonymous”-style mask, a camouflage hoodie, dark pants and a black backpack near the scene before the fire.

No injuries were reported in the Brooklyn fire, but the complaint states the blaze caused extensive damage before the store owner extinguished it.

The indictment formally charges Sayrange with two federal crimes.

The first count alleges he knowingly and intentionally damaged or attempted to damage property through fire and an explosive at the Fulton Street business.

The second count alleges he possessed an incendiary device classified as a destructive device under federal law.

The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice related to explosive materials and property connected to the alleged offense.

According to court records, prosecutors first filed a sealed complaint against Sayrange on July 8.

The case was unsealed the following day, and Sayrange appeared in federal court, where Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi ordered him detained.

The case is now assigned to U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz II.

According to the federal complaint, Sayrange was later arrested in connection with three alleged Molotov cocktail attacks in Queens, including incidents involving houses of worship.

The NYPD reported that no one was injured in those incidents and that the fires were quickly extinguished by the FDNY.

Federal prosecutors previously alleged Sayrange admitted involvement in the Brooklyn fire, telling investigators:

“Yes, I f-ing firebombed them. They're Muslims, scum and terrorists."

According to prosecutors, investigators recovered additional Molotov cocktails after Sayrange’s arrest, and the complaint alleges he indicated the devices were intended for further use.

Sayrange is represented by federal defender Kannan Sundaram.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case.