Man arrested for setting fire at Black church

A Rhode Island man has been charged with federal crimes for allegedly setting multiple fires and causing significant damage to a predominantly Black church in North Providence. Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, faces charges of maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or explosion, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.

The fires occurred earlier in the week at the Shiloh Gospel Temple, a place of worship that was fortunately vacant at the time, resulting in no injuries but causing substantial property damage. Investigators identified Colantonio as the suspect through surveillance footage, which allegedly captured him purchasing a gas canister and lighter before seen walking toward the church and pouring an ignitable liquid around its exterior.

The affidavit submitted by authorities details Colantonio’s alleged actions, including purchasing the gas canister and pumping gas shortly before midnight at a nearby convenience store. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him walking toward the church with the gas canister, then igniting the exterior of the building. Police responded to the scene following reports of an individual attempting to set the building on fire, extinguishing several active flames around the church.

Additional evidence obtained during the investigation includes notebooks and writings seized from Colantonio, containing disturbing phrases expressing animosity towards racial and religious groups. These writings reportedly included statements advocating for burning churches and targeting individuals based on race. The affidavit also links Colantonio to a Citizens Bank card used in a previous purchase at the convenience store.

During a press briefing, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Zachary Cunha expressed sympathy for the Shiloh Gospel Temple congregation, acknowledging the profound violation of their sacred space. He condemned the act as an intolerable display of hatred and emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Colantonio. Cunha also hinted at the possibility of additional charges in the ongoing investigation.

Colantonio appeared before a federal court and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding places of worship and combating acts of hate and intolerance within communities.