Three Columbia men could face federal hate crime charges after police say they painted swastikas and phrases such as "white power" on a mosque then set it on fire.

Investigators believe the fire at the Islamic Center of Columbia started around 5 a.m. Saturday.

Later that night authorities arrested Jonathan Stone, 19, Michael Golden, 23. and Eric Baker, 32, according to Jim Cavanaugh, special agent in charge of the Nashville office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities did not say how they tracked down the suspects.

"It affects every American and every Muslim when they see a swastika painted on the side of a mosque destroyed by arson," Cavanaugh said Sunday.

The men are being held in the Maury County Jail and face possible federal charges for attacking a house of worship and other federal crimes, he said. [Link]