The century-old Hopewell Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi, is the site of a possible hate crime investigation. | AP Photo Mississippi black church burned and defaced with pro-Trump message

State authorities are investigating the destruction of a black church in Mississippi, which was burned Tuesday evening and spray painted with "Vote Trump" on the side.

According to a report in the Clarion-Ledger, the century-old Hopewell Baptist Church in Greenville is the site of a possible hate crime investigation after the fire department received a call at 9:16 p.m. that the building was overwhelmed by flames.


The FBI also has been notified of the burning, according to the Ledger’s report, and is investigating any possible civil rights violations.

The congregation’s pastor told the newspaper that the church will rebuild after sustaining significant water and smoke damage.

Mayor Errick D. Simmons said the fire is an attack on citizens' First Amendment right to worship.

“This act is a direct assault on people’s right to freely worship,” Simmons told the Ledger. “We will not rest until the culprit is found and fully prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”