Flint Church Firebombed: Pastors Say “This Cannot Be Normal”

Here in Flint, we’ve seen our share of hardship, but this one really hits home. Just before sunrise on August 30, security cameras caught a man sneaking behind St. Mark Baptist Church with gasoline cans in hand. Moments later, flames lit up the night sky as the suspect broke a window and set the church on fire.

Investigators Believe He Didn’t Act Alone

Councilwoman Tonya Burns says the man didn’t act alone. After all, it’s not exactly easy to haul around three gas cans by yourself. Police later found those cans nearby, one stuffed in a garbage bag. Burns believes the man, who reportedly has mental health issues, is dangerous. She says he’s been arrested since the fire, but on unrelated charges. He was released despite having burn marks on his hands.

READ MORE: Security Ramps Up After Deadly Grand Blanc Church Attack

Pastor Kevin Thompson says the man had shown up at St. Mark just a week before, asking to see him. 'We told him to come back next Sunday,' he recalled. The church, a longtime beacon for food and mental health support, is still rebuilding some classrooms but has reopened for worship.

Another Pastor Targeted Before the Attack

And this may not be an isolated case. Reverend Matthew Hogue-Smith of Peoples Church says the same man threatened him and his congregation on Facebook, just days before St. Mark went up in flames. He said:

This cannot be normal. Our churches are under attack.

Community Urged to Help Identify the Suspect

Hogue-Smith now has a protection order against the suspect, who he says still stalks him. Flint Police, the State Police, and the ATF are all involved, and community leaders are pleading for information.

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If you know anything about this man, you’re urged to contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance at 810-766-5177 or 810-348-1610.