Six predominantly black churches damaged by arson in St Louis
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Officials in St Louis are offering $2,000 for information regarding a number of fires set to six African-American churches.
Captain Garon Mosby told the St Louis Dispatch that members of the Ebenezer Lutheran Church was the latest to report a fire.
The Anti-Defamation League condemned the string of five separate fires that have taken place in surrounding areas since 8 October.
“While no racial motive has yet been established, the fear and intimidation in the African-American community is substantial and must be validated.”
New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, St Augustine Catholic Church, New Testament Church of Christ, New Life Missionary Baptist Church, and Ebenezer Lutheran Church were all victims to arson the past two weeks.
Michele Brown, business manager at St Augustine, told the Associated Press that the damage was minor and limited to two front doors.
"We are upset and we're concerned that there's an individual who, for whatever reason, is sick. We prayed for them Sunday. There's something wrong with someone who would do something like that."
Officials have said that the investigation is ongoing and asking for witnesses to come forward in the case.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments