2016-07-27
March 26, 2002

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)--A man who said he was motivated by hatred of Muslims drove a truck into a mosque just 30 minutes before evening prayers, police said Tuesday.

No one was injured Monday in the Islamic Center of Tallahassee, which is located at Florida State University.

The driver, Charles Franklin, 41, walked away and was arrested later at a campus bar on charges of burglary and criminal mischief, police said.

Franklin told officers he could have blown up the mosque if he had put propane tanks on the front of his truck, and that he tried to join the military in order to kill Muslims but was turned down, according to a police news release. Authorities said a Bible wrapped in blue cloth was on the front seat of Franklin's truck.

Police spokesman Scott Hunt said police believe it was an isolated case of ``one individual venting personal frustrations.''

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