For those of us who have been wondering exactly which “America” Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump wants to make great again, there is chilling news from Greenville, Mississippi.
Authorities in the town are currently investigating, as a hate crime, last night’s burning and vandalism of the 111-year-old Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. The church ministers to historically African-American congregations.
According to a report from Mississippi News Now:
“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.”
I’m sure that while the investigation is underway, right-wing conspiracy theorists will call the crime some kind of Democratic National Committee inside job meant to besmirch the fine characters of Trump’s racist deplorables. We shall all await Trump’s stern condemnation of this act (yes, this is sarcasm).
The report continued by stating:
“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.'”
As of the time of this post, there is a person of interest being interviewed by law enforcement, but there are no suspects.
The FBI released the following statement on the burning and vandalism:
“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.”
The following video summarizes some of the key points early in this investigation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt1ZcPRiUy8
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
