Suspect arrested in connection with paintball incident at Phoenix mosque

PHOENIX – A suspect was arrested on suspicion of shooting paintballs at a Phoenix mosque over the weekend, authorities said.

Investigators used surveillance video and other evidence to identify Michael Abel Dominguez, 30, as the owner of a vehicle involved in the aggravated assault incident at the Islamic Center of North Phoenix, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officers took Dominguez into custody on March 9 and served search warrants at his home. During the search, they found pellet-style firearms consistent with the type that was used to shoot paintballs at the mosque, police said.

He was booked into jail for multiple offenses — including aggravated assault and criminal damage — and an outstanding felony warrant. His bond was set at $150,400, according to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office records.

What happened when paintballs were fired at Phoenix mosque?

Police responded to reports of suspicious activity at the mosque near 23rd and Joan De Arc avenues, south of Thunderbird Road, around 2:30 a.m. on March 7.

Witnesses reported seeing a man drive up the mosque’s gate, get out of his vehicle and point what appeared to be a firearm. They then heard several popping sounds.

“The suspect returned to the vehicle and continued firing paintballs toward the group, striking several parked vehicles before fleeing the area,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said in a media advisory.

Officers did not find a suspect during their initial search of the area. No one was injured in the incident.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego responded to the incident on X, saying “hate has no place in our city.”

Hate has no place in our city. pic.twitter.com/MH2tDGcA06

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) March 7, 2026

Azza Abuseif, executive director of the Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, issued a statement thanking law enforcement after the arrest.

“We thank the Phoenix Police Department for taking this incident seriously and urge authorities to fully investigate the motive behind the attack, including whether bias played a role,” Abuseif said.

“This disturbing incident occurred in a broader climate in which Muslim communities across the country are increasingly concerned about safety and rising bigotry. We call on public officials and community leaders to clearly and consistently condemn anti-Muslim hate and to stand in solidarity with communities targeted because of their faith.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bailey Leasure contributed to this report.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on March 7, 2026.

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