According to Breitbart, Xiaoquin Yan, a 31-year-old illegal immigrant from China, who was serving time for setting multiple fires at First Baptist Church Montgomery, has been indicted for attempting to escape from a federal correctional facility in Connecticut.

The convicted arsonist had been living in the United States illegally after overstaying her F-1 student visa. Before the incident, she had spent months observing the church and its operations, expressing negative sentiments about the church's leadership, specifically referring to the pastors as "rich white men."

Deliberate attack on historic Alabama landmark

The targeted attack occurred on September 30, 2021, when Yan deliberately set four separate fires within the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Montgomery. The church, established in 1829, holds significant historical value with its current sanctuary dating back to 1916. The fires resulted in extensive damage, with repair costs reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

In March 2024, following her conviction, Yan received a sentence of 102 months to be served at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. The sentence reflected the severity of her actions and the deliberate nature of the attack on the religious institution.

The prosecution successfully demonstrated that the incident was not random but rather a calculated act against the church community. This evidence played a crucial role in determining the length of her sentence.

Prison escape attempt leads to new charges

On December 10, 2024, Yan attempted to flee from the federal prison facility where she was serving her sentence. Her escape was short-lived as federal agents apprehended her the same day, adding another serious charge to her record.

A federal grand jury in New Haven, Connecticut, has now formally indicted Yan for the escape attempt. This new development could significantly impact her future, as a conviction for prison escape carries a potential additional sentence of up to five years.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of visa enforcement and the security of religious institutions. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the original arson incident and the recent escape attempt.

Legal consequences unfold after dual offenses

The investigation revealed that Yan's entry into the United States was initially legal through the F-1 student visa program. However, her decision to remain in the country after her visa expired changed her status to that of an illegal alien.

The combination of the church arson and prison escape has complicated Yan's legal situation considerably. Federal prosecutors are pursuing the new charges while she continues to serve her original sentence for the church fires.

The case highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement, religious institution protection, and federal prison security protocols. Local and federal authorities are working together to ensure appropriate measures are taken.

A timeline of escalating criminal acts

The arson case at First Baptist Church Montgomery marked the beginning of Yan's serious criminal offenses in the United States. Her careful planning and execution of the attack demonstrated a concerning pattern of behavior.

After serving approximately nine months of her original sentence, Yan attempted her prison break, marking another significant escalation in her criminal activities. The swift response by federal agents prevented her from successfully evading custody.

Currently, Yan faces the prospect of additional prison time if convicted of the escape attempt. The federal justice system is proceeding with the new charges while maintaining her incarceration for the original arson conviction.