John Jones, 24, is accused of setting fire to the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, prosecutors said. The June 19 blaze became a three-alarm fire that severely damaged the 173-year-old building and destroyed its spire and historic artifacts. Investigators allege Jones admitted setting the fire and recently tried to burn another Brooklyn church. A notebook recovered by prosecutors allegedly contained violent categories and tally marks linked to potential targets.
| 1) | Arrest and alleged church admission |
| 2) | Notebook allegedly outlined violent targets |
| 3) | Surveillance footage and fire investigation |
| 4) | Historic church suffered extensive damage |
| 5) | Federal case and pending court proceedings |
Arrest and alleged church admission
Jones was arrested Wednesday after authorities allegedly found him at a CVS in Midtown Manhattan during an attempted shoplifting incident. Prosecutors said he later admitted to law enforcement that he set fire to South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn. The admission is described in a federal detention memorandum, and the allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
The church fire occurred on June 19 during daylight hours. Authorities said the blaze endangered residents, the church community and responding firefighters. Prosecutors are seeking to keep Jones detained without bail, while his federal arraignment was expected Friday. He also appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday on the separate shoplifting charge and was held without bail in that case.
“This defendant placed countless Brooklyn residents at risk when he recklessly set fire to the South Bushwick Reformed Church in broad daylight,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Notebook allegedly outlined violent targets
According to prosecutors, investigators recovered a notebook containing a handwritten chart with categories described as “murder them,” “kill them,” “stab them,” “make them pay” and “rape him.” The chart allegedly included tally marks and repeated misspellings of the word “church.” Prosecutors said the material formed part of an apparent record of violent targets as Jones considered additional attacks.
The detention memorandum also states that Jones told law enforcement he had recently attempted to burn down a second church in Brooklyn. The filing does not establish that another church was damaged or identify a completed second attack. The notebook allegations are among the evidence prosecutors cited in seeking detention while the case proceeds.
Surveillance footage and fire investigation
Investigators linked Jones to the South Bushwick fire through surveillance video, according to the criminal complaint. The footage allegedly showed him trying to enter the church before being denied entry. He then crossed the street and bought a lighter, prosecutors said.
Video allegedly showed Jones returning to the side of the church. Shortly afterward, surveillance footage captured a large plume of smoke rising from the building. Prosecutors used the sequence, together with the alleged admission, to support the arson charge and their request that Jones remain in custody.
Historic church suffered extensive damage
The three-alarm fire gutted much of the church’s interior and caused its historic spire to collapse. Thousands of historic artifacts were also lost. The destruction affected a building constructed in the 1850s, underscoring the cultural and religious significance of the site.
South Bushwick Reformed Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and had been designated a New York City landmark in 1968. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said the intentional burning of a house of worship threatened both the historic structure and the community’s sense of safety.
“This fire placed lives at risk, including the first responders who responded to protect the church and the surrounding neighborhood,” Lillian Bonsignore said.
Federal case and pending court proceedings
Jones faces a federal arson charge connected with the church fire. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors are asking the court to order detention without bail, citing the alleged danger presented by the fire, the notebook and the claimed attempt involving another church.
The case had not been resolved at the time of the reported proceedings. Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The pending arraignment is expected to address the federal charge and the government’s detention request.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jones is accused of setting the June 19 South Bushwick Reformed Church fire. |
| 2 | Prosecutors allege his notebook listed violent targets and included tally marks. |
| 3 | The historic church suffered major structural and cultural losses. |
| 4 | Jones faces a possible 20-year maximum sentence if convicted. |
Summary
The allegations against Jones combine evidence from surveillance footage, an alleged admission and a notebook described by prosecutors as containing violent target categories. The church’s destruction has affected a protected New York landmark and raised concerns about safety at houses of worship. The federal prosecution and detention request remain pending, and the allegations must be tested in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Jones accused of doing?
He is accused of setting fire to South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn on June 19. Prosecutors say he admitted setting the fire.
What did prosecutors say was found in his notebook?
Prosecutors said the notebook contained a handwritten chart with violent categories, tally marks and repeated misspellings of “church.”
What penalty could Jones face?
Jones faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted of the federal arson charge.
What happened to the church?
The three-alarm fire gutted much of the historic building, caused its spire to collapse and destroyed thousands of historic artifacts.
