Greenville’s police chief said officers are interviewing a "person of interest" about the burning of an African-American church that was spray-painted with the words "Vote Trump." Chief Delando Wilson said the man voluntarily spoke to investigators for several hours Wednesday and Thursday. Wilson declined to identify him and stopped short of calling him suspect. The chief said the man was not accompanied by an attorney. Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was heavily damaged by the fire Tuesday night. Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said evidence of arson was found and samples of an accelerant have been sent to the state crime lab. Mayor Errick Simmons said a multiracial group of local residents have held a prayer service and another is scheduled for this weekend.

Greenville’s police chief said officers are interviewing a "person of interest" about the burning of an African-American church that was spray-painted with the words "Vote Trump."

Chief Delando Wilson said the man voluntarily spoke to investigators for several hours Wednesday and Thursday. Wilson declined to identify him and stopped short of calling him suspect. The chief said the man was not accompanied by an attorney.


Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church was heavily damaged by the fire Tuesday night.

Fire Chief Ruben Brown Sr. said evidence of arson was found and samples of an accelerant have been sent to the state crime lab.

Mayor Errick Simmons said a multiracial group of local residents have held a prayer service and another is scheduled for this weekend.