An overnight fire set at a predominately black church in Charlotte, North Carolina was ignited by an arsonist, officials says. Police are investigating whether it was set as a hate crime.
While no evidence exists pointing to the arsonist's racist intentions, police say they aren't ruling anything out in their investigation of the fire, which caused an estimated $250,000 in damage.
"Shock. Disbelief," said Co-Pastor Rhonda Kinsey. "You hear about it, but you never imagine you would have a fire at your church."
Two firefighters were treated at the hospital after the scene. Officials say both are expected to be okay.
NEW: Briar Creek Road Baptist Church damage is estimated at more than $250,000. http://t.co/aMsxM1FIxh pic.twitter.com/LoLekQ7lX0— FOX 46 Charlotte (@FOX46News) June 24, 2015
The first comes one week after a mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina claimed the lives of nine congregants at a Bible study, including the church's pastor. A white supremacist has been arrested in that case and charged with the murders.
The fire, which started at 1 a.m. ET, gutted the entire education classroom and kids summer camp area. The flames took over an hour and more than 75 firefighters to control, according to a tweet from the Charlotte Fire Department.
*UPDATE* Church fire on Briar Creek. 75+ ff controlled the fire in 1 hr, 15 min. One bldg total loss. CShahKhan pic.twitter.com/ZZODxfQ77w— Charlotte Fire Dept (@CharlotteFD) June 24, 2015
The sanctuary was unharmed. Regular services will continue, but the summer camp is discontinued while the church looks for a new space.
Other churches are already stepping up to help the church find a new summer camp location and provide emotional support, according to WCNC.
Others, like Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas showed its support on Twitter.
We lift our voices in prayer and protest alongside sisters and brothers at #BriarCreekChurch. Holy One that brings Justice, hear our prayer.— BriteDivinitySchool (@britedivinity) June 25, 2015
Co-Pastor Mannix Kinsey says he has already forgiven the arsonist, though he's hopeful it wasn't committed as a hate crime, telling the Charlotte Observer, "With everything going on, it certainly didn’t surprise me."
"We have already forgiven them, and we're hoping the investigation will take its place and do what's necessary" he told WCNC of the unidentified arsonist. "Buildings can be repaired, they can be built over, but the hearts of individuals, this is the opportunity for God to touch the hearts of individuals."
"When I did think about the possibilities of there being any ugliness behind this, I instantly start praying and just saying: 'God, just please have mercy,'" added Co-Pastor Kinsey.