D.C. Arsonist Says He Doesn't Hate Gays, He Was Just Drunk

A former D.C. resident who pled guilty to setting a fire in the gay nightclub Neighbours on New Year's Eve said he doesn't hate gays, he was just drunk. The blog Capitol Hill Seattle reports that 31-year-old Musab Masmari is scheduled to appear in federal court today for sentencing.

His plea agreement comes with a minimum of five years in prison although the judge could sentence him to the maximum of 20 years. Although a "confidential informant" told investigators that Masmari said homosexuals should be "exterminated," prosecutors have not charged him with terrorism or a hate crime.

The blog reported in mid-May that Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg told CHS that prosecutors would discuss this possibility, saying, "Those issues haven't been ignored."

In court this week, Masmari testified in a personal statement that he drank a "cheap bottle of whiskey" on New Year's Eve before blacking out and pouring gasoline down a flight of stairs in the packed bar and setting it ablaze. Thanks to the quick actions of employees, all 750 patrons escaped uninjured.

"I do not believe that I am a bad man but when I get drunk I have done bad things. I swear that it is my intent to never drink again, and if I am offered a second chance at alcohol treatment, I will take it," wrote Masmari.

The Stranger reported on Masmari's arrest on Feb. 1, with Detective Mark Jamieson of the Seattle Police saying that their Arson/Bomb Squad had worked with the joint terrorism task force to find and apprehend the suspect while he was on his way to Sea-Tac airport, and booked him into King County Jail.