FBI investigating suspected arson at Mississippi church

The FBI is investigating a church fire in Greenville, Miss., that heavily damaged the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Mayor Errick Simmons called the suspected arson a “heinous, hateful, cowardly act” designed to interfere with worship and intimidate voters. Whoever set the blaze scrawled “Vote Trump” in silver spray paint along the side of the church. About 78 percent of Greenville’s 32,100 residents are African-American. The FBI has not yet labeled the act a hate crime, but Gov. Phil Bryant said whoever is responsible would be brought to justice. “First, anyone who burns a place of worship will answer to almighty God for this crime against people of faith. But they should also answer to man’s law,” the governor said in a statement. Pastor Caroline Hudson vowed to rebuild on the same site. The congregation has met continually for 111 years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.