Authorities are investigating a possible hate crime in Sylmar after someone set fire to multiple crosses outside a church, the Los Angeles Police Department said Thursday.
Firefighters were sent to Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church in the 13900 block of Polk Street at 4:42 a.m. in response to reports of a rubbish fire in front of the church, according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The fire was already out by the time firefighters arrived. They found only smoldering wood and a nearby water hose.
Arson investigators are on the scene along with L.A. police investigators because the fire was started outside a house of worship, LAPD Officer Drake Madison said. A representative for the FBI’s Los Angeles field office said it was aware of the incident and in communication with local authorities.
A representative for Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church could not immediately be reached for comment. Someone with the church posted a photo on Facebook of a wooden cross outside the building.
“Good morning Family and Friends! We want to let everyone know that we are doing well and the church is Good,” the church member wrote in the social media post. “We thank you for your prayers.”