Church defaced with demonic images, slurs days after fire: ‘It’s overwhelming’

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Authorities said vandalism, including racial slurs and demonic images, was found on a Florida church that was damaged in a fire just days before.

According to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church representatives in Ocala, firefighters investigating a fire on Saturday discovered one or more vandals had entered the condemned building.

Church officials said racial slurs were found inside and outside the church, as well as disturbing images that included faces with devil horns.

“As the pastor, I just walked through for the first time since the fire, and to see our sanctuary destroyed in that manner and then to see this, it’s overwhelming, but we know that our God will restore all that has been lost. So we will be in touch with what those needs are,” The Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra, pastor at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, said.

Ocala police launched an investigation into the incident.

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, church leaders said the FBI is involved in the investigation along with Ocala police. They added they hope those involved are held accountable for targeting a place many consider sacred and safe.

“While these acts are deeply troubling, St. Paul AME Church remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, justice, and community. We unequivocally condemn all acts of hate, racism, and violence. At the same time, we will not be moved from our calling to love, to serve, and to stand as a beacon of hope in this community,” Mirra said.

Firefighters initially responded to the church on Northwest Seventh Street around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday for reports of a fire.

The fire was electrical and accidental, investigators said. However, church leaders are concerned by the short amount of time between incidents.

“We are hoping to get some resolve to what happened, and of course, we pray for whomever it is that came in and desecrated our space, because prayer and forgiveness is exactly what they need because their soul needs salvation even in the midst of this, but accountability is also important because every individual should feel safe going into their house of worship.”

Due to the extensive damage inside, the church building was condemned.