‘Reminiscent of cross burnings’: Minister responds to Trump supporters vandalising church’s Black Lives Matter sign

Torchings at Black churches being investigated by police as potential hate crimes

The vandalism of Black Lives Matter signs at historically Black churches in Washington DC have been compared by a religious leader to “cross burnings.”

Groups of people tore down a BLM banner and set one ablaze as Donald Trump’s supporters clashed with activists in the city on Saturday.

Police say they are investigating the incidents at the Asbury United Methodist Church and the Metropolitan AME Church as potential hate crimes.

“It pained me especially to see our name, Asbury, in flames,” said Reverend Dr Ianther M Mills, the senior pastor at Asbury church.

“For me it was reminiscent of cross burnings. Seeing this act on video made me both indigent and determined to fight the evil that has reared its ugly head.

“We will move forward, undaunted in our assurance that Black Lives Matter and we are obligated to continue to shout that truth without ceasing.”

The Asbury United Methodist Church was founded in 1836, and Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal was where Frederick Douglass’ funeral was held in 1895.

“This weekend, we saw forces of hate seeking to use destruction and intimidation to tear us apart,” said District of Columbia mayor Muriel Bowser.

“We will not let that happen.”

Videos posted on Twitter showed a group of men taking down a BLM banner at the Metropolitan AME Church as “Whose streets? Our streets,” was chanted.

Another video saw a group set fire to a BLM banner while chanting against antifa.

Both incidents came after Stop the Steal rallies in the city to support Mr Trump’s false claims he has been cheated out of an election win.

Police arrested nearly 30 people for a variety of offences after violence broke out and a string of stabbings took place.

The protests drew a strong turnout from the right-wing Proud Boys group who later clashed with antifa and Black activists in downtown Washington.

The event was organised as a show of strength before Monday’s official certification of the electoral college vote, which will secure the White House for Joe Biden.