ATF has special agents and certified fire investigators (CFIs) from several field divisions investigating the fires to determine cause and origin. We are in the early stages of these investigations, but at this time we have no reason to believe these fires are racially motivated or related.

What is the #WhoIsBurningBlackChurches story about?

Since June 17 there have been seven fires at predominantly black churches. Many people are questioning whether the fires are hate crimes because they occurred in the wake of the massacre of nine African-Americans in Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The speculation has been shared on social media through the hashtag #WhoIsBurningBlackChurches.

Are all the churches in South Carolina?

No, only two are in South Carolina. Two others are in Tennessee. There were also fires in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and California.

What are the names of the churches?

The churches and locations are:

1. Briar Creek Road Church in Charlotte, North Carolina

2. College Hill Seventh Day Adventist in Knoxville, Tennessee

3. Glover Grove Baptist Church in Warrenville, South Carolina

4. God’s Power Church of Christ in Macon, Georgia

5. Greater Miracle Apostolic Church in Tallahassee, Florida

6. Fruitland Presbyterian Church in Gibson County, Tennessee

7. Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greeleyville, South Carolina.

Additionally, a fire was intentionally set at a church in Los Angeles that hosts Latino groups on June 29.

Who is investigating the fires?

Along with local and state authorities in each location, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is conducting investigations into five of the seven fires. The ATF frequently aids in arson investigations, and because of the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996, is called in whenever there is a suspicious burnings or desecration at a house of worship. The FBI also aids in such investigations when there is a suspicion the act was a hate crime.

Are the church fires connected? Were they caused by hate crimes?

Investigators have said there is no evidence any of the church fires are linked, or that racism was the motivation.

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