Police are investigating heinous crimes such as tearing down a Black Lives Matter banner and burning signatures from two historically significant black churches during unrest at pro-Trump weekend demonstrations in Washington D.C.
Why this is important: Saturday’s riots at Asbury United Methodist Church and Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church were “acts of both racial terrorism and religious violence.” Per statement From Yolanda Pierce, Dean, Howard University School of Divinity, DC.
- Einder Mills, Senior Pastor of the Asbury United Methodist Church, founded in 1836 In a statement The actions are “reminiscent of cross-burns,” he noted, adding that “we face the apparent rise of white supremacy”.
Environment: Historically, Black Churches have been targeted by white managers for acts of violence in the United States
Messaging: Violent clashes erupted in DC on Saturday between supporters of President Trump who refused to accept his election loss to President-elect Biden and his opponents.
- The men, some wearing “maga” hats, were caught on video Burn the banner At the Asbury United Methodist Church, they were later identified as members of the Pride Boys, an extreme right-wing group, according to the Washington Post.
- Another video shows The protesters tore up Identified in the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and “Who are the streets? Our streets”
What they say: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) Said in a statement On Sunday the Office of Religious Affairs and the Metropolitan Police “were involved in the affected places of worship.”
“DC’s faith – based organizations are at the heart of our community, giving us confidence in the face of darkness. They have our DC values of love and content. Attacking them is an attack against all of us. Hate forces are trying to use threats. We will not let that happen. “
– Bowser