During the pro-Trump demonstrations last weekend, the signs and banners of the "Black Lives Matter" movement hanging at two historic black churches in Washington, D.C., were removed and destroyed by protesters, and the case, which may be considered a hate crime, is currently under investigation, according to the US Capitol Hill newspaper.
According to the Washington Post, a "Black Lives Matter" banner at the United Methodist Church in Asbury was removed during a demonstration later on Saturday (Dec. 12), along with a slogan that reads the Metropolitan African Methodist Church.
The Washington Post also noted that a video in the report showed a group of demonstrators plucking the "Black Lives Matter Too" sign from outside the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and then repeatedly stampede on it. In the video, a group of cheering people light up banners identified as members of the far-right group Proud Boys.
The United Methodist Church of Asbury has been in the area for over 180 years. Senior pastor Ian Selmills of the United Methodist Church in Asbury said in a statement that the video was "reminiscent of burning a cross."
"Last night, demonstrators at the MAGA rally tore up the slogan 'Black Lives Matter' and burned it in the streets," Ian Sel mills said. ”
"Seeing this scene on the video, I was both indignant and determined to fight this ugly act. Ian Selmers continued: "We have always had confidence that no one is going to destroy the church, but now, the destruction of the church has happened. ”
New York Metropolitan Police spokeswoman Alena Gertz told The Washington Post that authorities "take the crimes seriously" and "are currently under investigation as possible hate crimes."
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement Sunday (Dec. 13) that the Office of Religious Affairs and the Metropolitan Police Department were also "in contact with the affected chapels" and asked anyone "with information or video in the chapel area" to contact local authorities.
She also said, "Faith-based organizations in Washington are at the heart of our community, giving us hope in the face of darkness. They embody our values of love and inclusion in Washington, D.C. An attack on them is an attack on all of us. "
The incidents occurred during the "Stop Stealing" protest in Washington on Saturday, when supporters of the president rallied to protest the election results, CNN reported.
Clashes also reportedly broke out between counter-protesters and Trump's supporters during the march. At least four people were stabbed and in critical condition. More than 20 people were arrested during the protests.