Law enforcement officials are investigating the burning and defacing of a historically black church in Mississippi as a hate crime.
The 111-year-old church Hopewell M.B. Baptist Church in Greenville was set on fire on Tuesday night and also vandalized with the words "Vote Trump" spray-painted on the side of the building.
Greenville Police Chief Freddie Cannon called the incident "a form of voting intimidation," WDAM-TV reports, and the FBI released a statement saying it was working with local law enforcement to "determine if any civil rights crimes were committed."
WDAM-TV reported heavy fire, water and smoke damage to the sanctuary of the church and additional damages to the pastor's study and church kitchen.
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