LOS ANGELES, CA – A church in Los Angeles whose pastor vehemently and openly opposed the LGBTQ movement was has been bombed, the FBI reported today.
“The FBI responded overnight with @elmontepolice & @LASDHQ to an #IED attack at the First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, CA. Bomb Techs & the FBI’s Evidence Team continue to process the scene. If you have a tip about the responsible party, please call 3104776565. #SeekingInfo,” the FBI said
A protest was held earlier at the church.
The LGBTQ community demonstrated/protested outside of First Works Baptist in El Monte after Pastor Ruben Mejia called himself a “homo-hater” in one of his sermons. Ruben and members of his congregation also stated they supported the idea of government execution of LGBTQ members. pic.twitter.com/1rHIK07qVy
— Anthonynewsnow (@sgvtaco) January 23, 2021
“As to the question of whether this was a hate crime, that’s always going to be considered among the theories when a house of worship is attacked,” FBI Los Angeles spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said in a statement. “But it would be premature to confirm any motive at this time, and we are not ruling any other motive out.”
UPDATE: Someone threw a bomb at the First Works Baptist Church in El Monte. It’s currently on fire right now. #keepelmontefriendly pic.twitter.com/IGVU0GviAT
— Jay Tea (@jayttea) January 23, 2021
LGBTQ protestors/ demonstrators waited outside First Works Baptist church for the congregation members to exit the building giving church members a earful of words. No physical altercations occurred. El Monte Police were actively monitoring the situation. pic.twitter.com/QMdJ9KPeub
— Anthonynewsnow (@sgvtaco) January 23, 2021