Suspect Charged With Arson Over Fire at New York LGBTQ+ Club
the April 3 arson of Rash, an LGBTQ+ bar in New York City.John Lhota, 24, was arrested on April 13, according to a news release by the Department of Justice.Lhota was captured on security video at a nearby gas station filling a canister with gasoline.
He then is alleged to have gone to the club and poured the gas on the floor. Another video shows Lhota throwing a cigarette on the floor, but it didn’t light.
He then uses the cigarette lighter to ignite the fire, authorities say, causing an explosion. Security video also captured Lhota running from the club.“As alleged, Lhota deliberately set fire to a bar and nightclub patronized by members of the LGBTQ+ community, seriously injuring two of its employees, and endangering all present including the tenants of the building as well as the first responders who battled the blaze for approximately one hour,” U.S.
Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said. “This Office strongly condemns such acts of violence, and will vigorously prosecute this case.
