Police apprehend suspects in arson attempt on Nõmme Baptist Church

On Monday, police received a report that three men attempted to set fire to Nõmme Baptist Church during the night of Sunday, 15 June. Security camera footage led to the identification of three suspects, two of whom were arrested on Sunday. The damage caused is estimated at around €10,000.

Tallinn's Nõmme Baptist Church escaped a fire over the weekend due to good fortune. During the night of Sunday, 15 June 2026, three men attempted to set the building ablaze, but it did not catch fire, sustaining only damage.

Police learned of the incident Monday morning and immediately dispatched patrol units to the scene. Investigators interviewed witnesses, reviewed security camera footage, and collected various samples.

Security cameras revealed suspects

Head of the North Prefecture's Crime Against Persons Bureau Vadim Kuperstejn confirmed that the camera footage clearly showed three men moving around the building and attempting to set it on fire. "Thanks to the fact that the church had cameras and the people there began investigating what happened early in the morning, we were able to quickly identify the suspects. This was an extremely dangerous act and only by good fortune did the building not catch fire," said Kuperstejn.

On Sunday, two men, aged 31 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of arson. Additionally, a 29-year-old man was questioned as a suspect.

Motives being investigated

Police have initiated criminal proceedings under arson statutes. Kuperstejn added that the investigation continues and the possible motives for the act are being determined. "We are continuing to gather evidence and clarifying the possible motives for the act, including whether the incident may have been motivated by religious reasons," he said.

The damage caused by the arson attempt is estimated at approximately €10,000.