It is always a parent’s job to keep their children safe. Sometimes things might happen unexpectedly that are out of their control, but for the most part, a lot of parents try their hardest daily to keep their young children out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, that was not the case for four children in Columbus, Ohio. Their 33-year-old mother was arrested and charged, accused of setting fire to the apartment she lived in with her kids. Even more frightening, she was seen by a witness with a lighter and saying she was “going to kill them all.” How terrifying.
A 30-year-old mother of four has been arrested and charged with felony arson.
According to a criminal complaint affidavit obtained by WCMH, units from the Columbus Division of Fire were called to a building in the Wedgewood Apartment complex in the Hollywood Hill neighborhood the morning of May 2, 2026.
The news outlet reported that multiple crews arrived at the multi-unit apartment complex around 8:15 a.m. where multiple people were found inside, including four minor children. After the fire had been extinguished, investigators determined it had been set intentionally.
The children’s mother, Hawa Hassan, 30, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated arson as well as assault and domestic violence by assault, according to WSYX.
A witness heard the mother say she was ‘going to kill them all.’
Investigators determined the fire was set in one of the bedrooms in the apartment, according to WSYX.
Columbus police detained Hassan at the apartment complex and she reportedly admitted to officers that she had set the fire, per the news outlet. Witnesses told authorities they found four children who stated that their mother started the fire with a lighter and said she was “going to kill them all,” WSYX reported.
How chilling.
The children were able to get out of the apartment safely and uninjured, according to People.
The four children have been safely placed elsewhere.
According to WSYX, all four children are now safely with Franklin County Children’s Services.
Law & Crime reported that one of the apartments was charred on the outside of the building, but no other damage has been reported.
Hassan is in custody at Franklin County Jail, held without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for early May.
We can only imagine the sheer terror those poor kids went through that day with their mother. It’s something no child should have to experience. We hope they’re placed in a safe and happy home as soon as possible.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
