GRELLEYVILLE, S.C. (AP) – A federal law enforcement source says a fire that destroyed a black church in South Carolina was not the work of an arsonist.
The source says preliminary indications are that the fire at the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greeleyville, 50 miles north of Charleston, was not intentionally set and was not arson. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case publicly. The source says the fire is still under investigation.
The blaze was reported about 9 p.m. Tuesday as storms moved through the area. It gutted the church.
The same church was burned in 1995. Two Ku Klux Klan members pleaded guilty.
The fire occurred as federal authorities are investigating a series of fires at black churches in several Southern states. So far, there’s no indication the fires are related.
A federal law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity said a Friday fire at a church in South Carolina does not appear to have been intentionally set. The official had direct knowledge of the investigations but spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the official was not authorized to discuss them publicly.
The official said another fire Wednesday at a Charlotte church appeared to be set by vandals, and investigators have found no graffiti or other evidence that it was racially motivated.
The original story that I submitted mentioned this was the seventh church burned since the shooting. It seems the story was altered. I find it curious. Here’s another source:
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150630/PC16/150639930
There’s the problem, Federal authorities, the feds couldn’t find a hooker in a house of ill repute if she fell on them.
Naked, and with a fist full of money.