AUG 11, 1:52 PM

Historic Maryland Church Is A Victim Of Arson, Authorities Exploring Possible Hate Crime
Matt Blitz

Two fires were set purposely on Sunday on the property of Judah Temple Ministries, a 123-year-old predominantly Black church, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, according to the county fire department. Now, authorities say they are exploring the incident as a possible hate crime.

Flames were reported at the small church on Snug Harbor Road just before 5:30 a.m., before firefighters responded to a fire in the church vestibule. Firefighters were able to control the fire quickly, leaving only minor damage to the church, Anne Arundel County Fire Department Lt. Sheldon Neal told WTOP.

Shortly after the flames were extinguished, a neighbor told authorities that they had seen a person throw something into the church and run away. Then the neighbor says they saw flames.

Another fire was set on a headstone in the church’s cemetery, Captain Russ Davies, a spokesperson for the fire department, tells DCist/WAMU.

Authorities have not yet reported who the person was or what was allegedly thrown into the church. Investigators have concluded that a burglary and arson occurred, though they have offered no further details.

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DCist/WAMU has reached out to the church about the vandalism.