Arsonist targets Jehovah’s Witnesses
At the centre of the investigation into crimes against Jehovah’s Witnesses — including two fires that destroyed worship centres — is a question that has vexed Washington state investigators: Who could muster this much destructive rage against a religion full of pacifists?
On Friday morning, Thurston County authorities responded to a predawn fire in the city of Lacey, Wash. But by the time firefighters arrived, it was too late. The blaze had caused the roof to collapse and destroyed the kingdom hall, the name Jehovah’s Witnesses give to their worship centres.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives quickly ruled that the fire was intentionally set, saying it fit the pattern of the other kingdom hall attacks in Thurston County over the past nine months that have rocked the community.
No one has been arrested, and the only image of a suspect is surveillance video of a person in a hoodie and coveralls pouring gasoline on the side of a kingdom hall, then sparking a bloom of fire. Authorities don’t know whether that person is the only perpetrator, and a motive continues to elude investigators.
The attacks began March 19, with intentionally set fires starting minutes apart, sending fire crews racing from a kingdom hall in Olympia to one in Tumwater, according to Seattle-area NBC affiliate KING. A July 3 fire also targeted the Olympia kingdom hall, this time destroying it. And Aug. 8, someone set a minor fire at a kingdom hall in Yelm. Authorities also recovered what they described as a dummy bomb at the scene.
In the midst of those attacks, on May 15, someone fired a volley of rifle rounds at the Yelm kingdom hall, causing about $10,000 in damage. All the attacks have occurred early in the morning, and there are no reports of injuries.
Still, Jehovah’s Witness leaders in the area say the attacks are a blow to their community.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee tweeted a photo of the destruction in Lacey on Friday, calling the attacks “abhorrent.”
“The freedom to worship is a right that should be protected for every person in our country,” the Democratic governor said.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are known mostly for their door-todoor proselytizing, rejection of traditional holidays and refusal to accept blood transfusions even in the face of death. They reject subservience to the state, believing God to be the only true ruler. They do not serve in the military or vote.
Historically, attacks against Jehovah’s Witnesses have threatened the group as a whole, not specific congregations.