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Arrest Made in San Francisco Hillel Fire After Arson Probe

Police say there is no probable cause for a hate‑crime charge at this time.

Overview

  • San Francisco police identified 36-year-old Mitchell Hoyt and booked him on suspicion of causing a fire to an inhabited structure and setting property on fire.
  • Investigators with the SFPD Arson Task Force located Hoyt while he was already in San Francisco County Jail on an unrelated case and arrested him there.
  • The Dec. 5 blaze began outside the Hillel building near San Francisco State University, which was occupied by staff, and no injuries were reported.
  • San Francisco Hillel reported the fire started in outdoor garbage bins and caused significant damage to the basement and a second-floor bathroom, with smoke throughout.
  • The building remains closed and Hanukkah events were canceled as the investigation continues and authorities assess motive.