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Brooklyn Church Arson Suspect Arrested After Juneteenth Blaze
6 Aug
Summary
- A 24-year-old man was arrested for the arson of a 175-year-old Brooklyn church.
- The fire occurred on Juneteenth, destroying the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church.
- Community members are fundraising and uniting to rebuild the beloved landmark.
Authorities have arrested a 24-year-old Brooklyn man, John Jones, in connection with the destructive arson fire that consumed the South Bushwick Reformed Church on Juneteenth. The historic 175-year-old landmark was reduced to rubble by the blaze. Video evidence reportedly shows Jones purchasing a lighter and setting the fire.
Despite the profound loss, members of the congregation and community leaders are demonstrating remarkable resilience. Fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe page, are underway to support the rebuilding of the church. While the main sanctuary was lost, the adjacent parish hall survived the fire, albeit with extensive damage, which has helped the property retain its landmark status.
Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II expressed a mix of sadness and anger following the arrest, while also conveying confidence in the community's ability to move forward through faith, resilience, and unity. Jones, who has no known ties to the congregation, was apprehended after allegedly being involved in a separate theft and an existing warrant for his arrest in the arson case was discovered. He is expected to appear in federal court soon.
