WSMV Channel 4 FBI investigating church vandalism in Knoxville

FBI investigating church vandalism in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Federal authorities are investigating repeated incidents of vandalism involving three Knoxville area churches since December.

Rick Lambert, Special Agent in Charge with the Knoxville field office of the FBI, told The Knoxville News Sentinel on Friday that agents are jointly investigating the incidents along with the sheriff's office.

Authorities report that windows were broken on Friday at Concord Presbyterian Church. About a mile away, two churches with large black congregations, the Original Church of God and Concord AME Zion Church, have each been vandalized on three different occasions.

The Rev. Stephen Steele, of Concord AME Zion Church, said the church has received no threats and he doesn't know who could be responsible.

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