ANTIOCH, Calif. – The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting the Antioch Police Department in investigating a fire that caused $200,000 worth of damage to the Islamic Center of East Bay on Aug. 12.

Contra Costa County Fire District spokeswoman Emily Hopkins, along with other officials, said she could not rule out that it was a hate crime, but that it is difficult to prove that the Islamic center was on fire simply because it was a mosque.

Some locals believe that it was arson or even an act of terror.

In response, East Bay United, an organization "dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in [their] community," and local interfaith groups are organizing a march on Sept.13 in Antioch to encourage tolerance, peace and understanding amongst its citizens.

Asma Nemati, a spokeswoman from the Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, encouraged people to "donate to the rebuilding and participate in the march" if they wish to help the victims of this hate crime.

She also said that a nearby Islamic Center, Pittsburgh Mosque, has "opened its doors" for I.C.E.B’s homeless congregation. I.C.E.B. has over 500 families registered as members and over 150 people attend its Friday prayer ceremony.

Chairmen of the mosque’s board of trustees said they had reported previous attacks to police but had not publicized them, hoping they were isolated incidents. They also claim the Islamic center has received threatening phone calls in recent months.