Renton Mayor Reacts As FBI Probes Gay Pride Arson

RENTON, WA — The FBI has opened an investigation into an arson at a Renton church on Wednesday that left a gay pride display damaged.

"The FBI Seattle Division has opened a federal investigation into the June 19 explosive damage caused to property of the United Christian Church of Renton, Washington. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to comment further at this time," the FBI said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

The church erected a pride display outside the church that includes six doors, each painted with a color in the pride flag. The doors spell out the phrase "Gods doors are open to all." The arson damaged several doors, and the attacker appears to have used small explosive devices or fireworks.

The church, located at 15509 116th Ave Southeast, will hold a prayer vigil on Friday night at 6 p.m. Members of the church have also set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to buy security cameras to protect the pride display. This is not the first time the display has been vandalized, according to the Renton Reporter.

2019 is also the first year that Renton raised a pride flag at City Hall to recognize June as gay pride month. Mayor Denis law raised the flag on Monday.

"It was very troubling to learn about the ongoing damage that has been taking place on a

special display in front of United Christian Church," Law said in his weekly newsletter. "The latest act this week included using some type of explosive devices to damage a row of painted doors that have the words, 'God’s doors are open to all.' The community has rallied behind the church to denounce this vandalism. This case is being investigated by the FBI, and Renton Police are increasing their patrols in the area."