A 24-year-old man accused of setting fire to a historic New York City church allegedly admitted to the arson and told investigators he had recently tried to burn another Brooklyn church. Federal prosecutors say a notebook found during the investigation contained handwritten categories describing violent acts against potential targets. The June 19 fire severely damaged the South Bushwick Reformed Church, a 173-year-old landmark in Bushwick.
The suspect, John Jones, was arrested Wednesday and faces a federal arson charge carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are asking that he remain detained without bail while the case proceeds.
| 1) | Arrest follows church fire investigation |
| 2) | Notebook allegedly details violent targets |
| 3) | Historic church suffers extensive damage |
| 4) | Officials describe risks to residents and responders |
| 5) | Federal case and court proceedings |
Arrest follows church fire investigation
John Jones was arrested Wednesday after investigators linked him to the blaze at South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed him attempting to enter the church before he walked across the street to purchase a lighter. The footage then showed him returning to the side of the building, followed shortly afterward by a large plume of smoke.
According to a federal detention memo, Jones admitted setting fire to the church. Prosecutors also said he acknowledged recently attempting to burn down a second church in Brooklyn, raising concerns about possible additional attacks.
Notebook allegedly details violent targets
Investigators allegedly found a notebook containing a handwritten chart divided into categories describing violence. The listed phrases included “murder them,” “kill them,” “stab them,” “make them pay” and “rape him.” Prosecutors said the categories included tally marks and repeated misspellings of the word “church.”
The detention filing did not establish that every listed act had been carried out. However, prosecutors cited the notebook and the alleged second church attempt as reasons to seek detention while the federal case is pending.
Historic church suffers extensive damage
The June 19 blaze became a three-alarm fire that gutted much of the church and caused its historic spire to collapse. Thousands of historic artifacts inside the building were also destroyed. The fire occurred in broad daylight and affected a religious site that has served as a significant part of the Brooklyn community.
Constructed in the 1850s, South Bushwick Reformed Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and designated a New York City landmark in 1968. The damage therefore affected both an active house of worship and a protected historic structure.
Officials describe risks to residents and responders
New York officials said the alleged arson endangered residents, firefighters and others in the surrounding neighborhood. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the incident threatened Brooklyn residents and that New Yorkers should be able to practice their faith without fear.
“The intentional burning of a house of worship is an attack on a historic building and on the sense of safety and community it represents,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.
Bonsignore added that the fire placed lives at risk, including first responders who worked to protect the church and nearby area.
Federal case and court proceedings
Jones faces a federal arson charge and could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted. Prosecutors have asked the court to hold him without bail, citing the alleged admission, the surveillance evidence and the contents of the notebook.
Jones also appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday on a separate shoplifting allegation after he was taken into custody at a CVS in Midtown Manhattan. He was held without bail on that matter. A federal arraignment on the arson case was expected Friday.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The South Bushwick Reformed Church was heavily damaged in a June 19 fire. |
| 2 | Prosecutors say Jones admitted to the church arson and described another attempted church fire. |
| 3 | A notebook allegedly contained violent categories and tally marks. |
| 4 | Jones faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of federal arson. |
Summary
The allegations combine extensive damage to a protected Brooklyn landmark with claims that the suspect considered or attempted further attacks. The federal court will determine whether Jones remains detained and how the arson prosecution proceeds. The allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is charged in the case?
John Jones, 24, is charged federally with arson in connection with the South Bushwick Reformed Church fire.
What happened to the church?
The June 19 three-alarm fire gutted much of the historic building, collapsed its spire and destroyed thousands of artifacts.
What penalty could Jones face?
If convicted of the federal arson charge, Jones could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.