Arsonist Targets Predominantly Black Charlotte Church

A predominantly black church in North Carolina was intentionally set ablaze, causing about $250,000 in damage. Crews arrived at Briar Creek Baptist Church about 1 a.m. on Wednesday after residents in a nearby apartment complex reported seeing flames. It took more than 75 firefighters to bring the three-alarm inferno under control. Charlotte fire officials are looking into whether Wednesday morning's arson was a hate crime, NBC station WCNC reported. Pastor Mannix Kinsey said the church's congregation has already forgiven the culprit. "Buildings can be repaired, they can be built over," Kinsey told WCNC. "This is the opportunity for God to touch the hearts of individuals."

Contact Us