The man accused of driving up to a north Phoenix mosque in the middle of the night and opening fire on a group of worshippers with a paintball gun is now in custody, police announced Monday.
Michael Abel Dominguez, 30, was taken into custody on March 9th — two days after the incident at the Islamic Center of North Phoenix. Investigators identified him by tracing surveillance footage and other evidence back to a vehicle connected to the attack. A search warrant executed at his home turned up pellet-style firearms consistent with those used at the mosque, sealing the connection.
Dominguez was booked into Maricopa County jail on charges of aggravated assault and criminal damage, and police discovered he was also wanted on an existing felony warrant unrelated to the mosque incident. His bond was set at just over $150,000.
The attack unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on March 7th, when witnesses at the mosque near 23rd and Joan De Arc avenues saw a vehicle approach the property’s gate. A man climbed out, raised what looked like a weapon, and began firing. Those present fled when they heard the shots. Dominguez allegedly continued firing toward the fleeing group and struck multiple parked vehicles before driving away. No one was physically injured.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego had publicly condemned the incident shortly after it occurred, posting that hate has no place in the city. Police have not yet specified whether the attack is being pursued as a hate crime, though the targeting of a religious institution in the predawn hours has drawn widespread concern from the local Muslim community and civil rights observers alike.
