Brooklyn man arrested in arson that burned down landmark South Bushwick church
BUSHWICK, Brookyln (WABC) -- A 24-year-old arson suspect has been arrested in connection to a fire that destroyed South Bushwick Reformed Church, a neighborhood landmark that had stood for 175 years in Brooklyn.
The arrest has brought mixed emotions to members of the congregation, who have been searching for answers since the fire on Juneteenth.
"Because there's an arrest that's been made, then that adds another layer of sadness and grief and anger and shock," said Rev. Dr. James E. Steward II of South Bushwick Reformed Church.
Authorities said video showed a man purchasing a lighter and using it to set fire to the church on the afternoon of June 19. The blaze quickly spread through the building's wooden structure, reducing the church to rubble.
Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as John Jones, 24, of Brooklyn. Authorities said he has no known connection to the congregation.
"If you need help, there's help. There's no excuse for burning down a church," said Robert Camacho, chairman of Community Board 4.
The church has long served as a gathering place for the community.
"We have done graduations and proms and weddings and baptisms and ordinations and funerals and back to school giveaways and holiday community meals," Steward said.
While the main church building was destroyed, the parish hall remains standing despite extensive damage. Church leaders say that has allowed the property to retain its landmark designation.
For longtime residents, the loss carries added significance.
"Nobody wanted to be in Bushwick. Not even a soul," Camacho said.
Community leaders and congregation members have made rebuilding the church a priority, and fundraising efforts are underway, and a GoFundMe page has been started.
"I'm hoping all our new people that can afford to live here donate something. And be part of the community," Camacho said.
Steward expressed confidence that the congregation will move forward.
"With faith, with resiliency and with unity, we will achieve what we want to achieve," he said.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Police arrested Jones overnight after he was allegedly involved in the theft of a sandwich and soda from a CVS in Midtown and discovered there was a warrant for his arrest in the arson case.
Jones is expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn as soon as Thursday.
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