Man charged with arson after setting a Brooklyn LGBTQ+ bar on fire
A suspect has been charged with arson after setting a New York City LGBTQ+ bar on fire. On the evening of 3 April, the popular queer establishment Rash Bar went up in flames after a suspect entered the venue and allegedly poured a bottle of flammable liquid on the floor.
Three people were inside when the building became engulfed in flames, one of whom was transported to a nearby hospital with minor burns.
Shortly after committing the crime, the unidentified suspect fled the scene. However, on 14 April, authorities identified and charged John Lhota as the prime suspect of the heinous crime.
According to a press release from the US Attorney’s office, the 24-year-old was arrested on 13 April and made his initial court appearance on 14 April – where he pleaded not guilty. “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,” said the United States Attorney Breaon Peace. “This Office strongly condemns such acts of violence, and will vigorously prosecute this case.
