Many of the vandalized churches are in predominantly black neighborhoods, and some of the messages referenced race, with one at Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church saying black people should “wake up,” Irving said.

Police have not said if they believe someone from the Black Hebrew Israelites is responsible, and Aroesty said it could also be someone trying to make it look like the Black Hebrews are involved, or people who aren’t part of any group, but doing this on their own.

St. Louis police Capt. Angela Coonce, commander of the intelligence division, said police are confident the crimes are related because of the similar nature of the graffiti.

“We are taking this very seriously,” she said.

Police, along with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were out canvassing the neighborhoods of all of the targeted buildings Thursday, trying to get surveillance video or any information that might lead to a suspect or suspects.

Churches, buildings damaged

The damage to Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.