With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Burned Crosses At Sylmar Church Being Investigated As Possible Hate Crime
A cross-burning incident at Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church is being investigated as an arson-hate crime by the LAPD.
(
Courtesy Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church
)
The burning of three crosses on the grounds of Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church Thursday morning is being investigated as arson-hate crime by the Los Angeles Police Department. The church has a predominantly Black congregation.
The backstory
The fire was reported about 4:30 a.m. by a neighbor who was driving by the church, according to an LAPD account. They immediately called the authorities.
Support for LAist comes from
The Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators found that an accelerant was used to set the crosses on fire, according to an email from LAPD officials. LAPD investigators also said "there is no indication that this Arson Hate-Crime is related to any arson or hate crime series."
How the pastor reacted
Pastor Pierre Howard was on a Zoom meeting when a co-worker sent him a text of media reports about the fire. Howard says he was disappointed that this happened at his church, but now he's made his peace with it.
" It's only temporary. No life was lost. God is still great, and life goes on. We'll be fine,” he said. Since news of the incident has spread, Howard says the community has reached out showing their support.
What's next
The church had three crosses outside and all three were smoldering when the fire department arrived. Howard says they are going to be repaired and solidified. In the meantime, no church services have been canceled and weekly Bible Study took place as scheduled Thursday.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Support for LAist comes from
Authorities are asking the community for any additional information that could help further the investigation. Any tips can be submitted here or call 213-486-6270.
Updated July 7, 2023 at 11:50 AM PDT
This story was updated with additional information provided by LAPD.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist