State Watch

FBI: Arson attacks directed at three Catholic churches in El Paso

Three Catholic churches in El Paso, Texas were the targets of arson attacks in incidents spanning just more than a month earlier this year, according to the FBI.

St. Matthew Catholic Church was targeted on May 7, St. Patrick Cathedral on May 13 and St. Jude Catholic Church on June 15, the FBI said in a statement. 

{mosads}The bureau’s El Paso office said it will provide a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the arsonists. 

“Keeping everyone safe is our shared and number one priority,” the FBI’s statement reads. “We are counting on assistance from members of the community to keep our city safe. We are asking everyone to please remain vigilant for suspicious or unusual activity to include events and persons around you.”

The FBI said the arsonists likely used an incendiary devices to begin fires at the churches, which were all damaged.

No one was injured in the attacks. 

Last month, a mass shooting at a Walmart in the city claimed the lives of 22 people.