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The First Pentecostal Church in Holly Springs was destroyed by fire this week.
The governor said investigators are working to figure out who or what is responsible.
“We have to ensure that this investigation is done and that it is completed,” said the governor in a press conference. “But if this in fact what it looks like, I want you to know that we are going to do everything in our power to find whomever burned this church down.”
The fire comes after the church’s pastor filed a lawsuit against Holly Springs challenging the city’s restrictions on in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A city attorney said over 40 people were not social distancing during a service in April when the citation was issued.
Investigators with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office found graffiti on the scene reading, “Bet you stay home now you hypokrites [sic].”
“This is not who we are as a state,” the governor stated. “Over the past couple months, we have worked together to make Mississippi a better place. We have worked together to protect ourselves, protect our families and to protect each other.”
Authorities are offering a reward for tips on how the fire started.
