Officials: Greenville church burning, vandalism being investigated as hate crime

GREENVILLE, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Authorities are now investigating the burning and vandalism of a historic church in Greenville as a hate crime.

Tuesday night, after 11 p.m., authorities responded to the scene of the 111-year-old Hopewell M.B. Church. The church was not only burned, but also vandalized with the words “Vote Trump” spray painted on the side of the building.

Officials said during a press conference held on Wednesday that the incident is now being investigated as a hate crime and Greenville Police Chief Freddie Cannon called the incident a “a form of voting intimidation”.

We’re told that there is heavy fire, water and smoke damage in the sanctuary of the church. The pastor’s study and the kitchen also were damaged.

Officials say they are speaking with a person of interest but have not identified a suspect.

The FBI released a statement on the burning:

“The FBI Jackson Division is aware of the situation in Greenville, and we are working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine if any civil rights crimes were committed.”