‘Leave Town N-Word’: Racist Graffiti Found On Small Texas Church Before It Was Burned To the Ground; Police Draw Outrage After Revealing Incident Is Only a Fire Investigation

Authorities in Paris, Texas, are investigating a suspicious fire last week that destroyed a Black church, which reportedly had been spray-painted with racial slurs before it went up in flames. Officials have remained mum after the Sept. 29 blaze, prompting some community members to doubt their commitment to a thorough investigation. At least one activist raised concerns that city leaders may prioritize preserving the city’s low-key reputation over addressing the real issues at hand, including ongoing racial discord. Love Tabernacle Church, a single-story wood-framed structure, was fully engulfed when the Paris Fire Department arrived at the scene at 11:15 p.m. and put the hoses on the flames.& Racist graffiti is captured on a small church in Texas before it is destroyed by a fire. (Credit: KXII Video Screengrab) By then, however, it was already too late. The building, which had stood for three years at the corner of Center Street and 13th NE, was ultimately reduced to ashes. Photos of the graffiti were sent to the Paris Fire Marshal, who arrived a short time later to inspect the scene, reports said. The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office was also called in to assist the investigation. Meanwhile, Paris Police Captain Terry...