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The man arrested yesterday in relation to a fire that Gardaí believe was deliberately started at a Muslim prayer centre on Talbot Street is “an Iranian national who, sources say, has had a grievance against the Islamic prayer hall,” it has been reported.
Videos of the fire were widely shared on social media yesterday as four engines carrying over 20 emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, according to Dublin Fire Brigade.
Yesterday evening, Gardaí said they were investigating an “incident of criminal damage by fire” at the Talbot Street prayer hall, and revealed that they had arrested a man aged in his 40s following a suspected arson attack.
Garda sources also clarified to several media outlets that they did not believe ‘far-right or racist’ elements were involved.
Despite this, speculation continued online, and several national media outlets carried claims in comments today that the attack was a reflection of far-right hatred and demonstrated what could happen when “incitement is left unchecked”.
Now, the Independent reports that:
The man who was arrested in relation to an arson attack at a mosque on Talbot Street on Monday afternoon is an Iranian national who, sources say, has had a grievance against the Islamic prayer hall.
Senior sources say that the suspect, aged in his 40s , is believed to have been involved in other recent incidents against the mosque and those who attend it, including criminal damage to a car.
“He has a history of grievances but there is no doubt that this was an escalation,” a senior source said.
Earlier today An Garda Síochána said that “Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances around an incident of criminal damage by fire at a premises on Talbot Street Dublin 1, on Monday 29th June 2026.”
“The incident occurred at approximately 3.35pm. Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries have been reported at this time,” they said.
“A male (aged in his 40’s) was arrested in connection with the investigation, and is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Dublin North City area pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984,” AGS said.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to this incident or who may have video footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area of Talbot Street Dublin 1, between 3.00pm and 4.00pm on Monday 29th June 2026 to come forward.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station on (01) 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
“Investigations are ongoing.”
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