No Evidence Minnesota Protesters Set Church Fire
The Claim
On the evening of April 19, 2021, a Catholic Church in Minneapolis caught on fire. A range of users on social media then stated that Antifa and Black Lives Matter protesters who were awaiting the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial were responsible.
These social media posts gained tens of thousands of views and shares and has led to calls for religious people to arm themselves against protestors.
News posted on
Emerging story
On the evening of April 19, 2021, a Catholic Church in Minneapolis caught on fire. A range of users on social media then stated that Antifa and Black Lives Matter protesters who were awaiting the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial were responsible.
These social media posts gained tens of thousands of views and shares and has led to calls for religious people to arm themselves against protestors.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation has found no evidence that protesters were responsible for the church fire. The cause is still undetermined.
While the church was heavily damaged, a representative of the Fire Department said that protesters are not under suspicion. “There are no indications that the fire is associated with any civil unrest at this time,” Melanie Rucker, a public information officer for the Minneapolis Fire Department stated in an interview.
A range of local news sources have stated that investigators have not been unable to identify the cause of the fire. Ryan Raiche, a local investigative reporter has stated that nothing about the fire indicates local protesters were involved.
A GoFundMe that claims to be organized by a parishioner of the church does not blame the protesters, or indeed anyone, for the fire. The fundraiser has gained over $12,000 as of April 22nd.
