Investigators ruled that an overnight fire at a black church in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday was arson and have asked the public for more information.
The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force said the fire at Briar Creek Road Baptist Church was set on purpose as they worked through buildings, looking for burn patterns and sifting through debris.
"We completed our work on the scene and determined this was intentionally set," said Charlotte Fire Department Senior Fire Investigator David Williams.
A resident of a nearby apartment called 911 before 1 a.m. on Wednesday to report the fire, which he described as "really big."
Church Pastor Mannix Kinsey said despite the damage, they have already forgiven whoever is the suspect.
"We have already forgiven them, and we're hoping the investigation will take its place and do what's necessary," he said, according to WCNC. "Buildings can be repaired, they can be built over, but the hearts of individuals, this is the opportunity for God to touch the hearts of individuals."
Williams said a list of suspects is being drawn by the task force, which is composed of the Charlotte Fire investigators, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives, a State Bureau of Investigation agent and a special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Investigators are also looking if the arson was a hate crime.
The first fire truck arrived immediately and reported heavy smoke and fire. The fire reached the third alarm in which more than 75 fire fighters controlled the fire in an hour and 15 minutes.
Authorities said damage to the church is estimated at $250,000.
