The fundraiser page, called "Repair the Hopewell Baptist Church" only asked for $10,000, but within 22 hours had reached nearly $150,000.
J. Blair Reeves Jr., who organized the page, wrote in an update, "When I ginned up this page before my first meeting at work today, I had no earthly clue it would get so big…Responses have been pouring in from all over the world, and they’re truly extraordinary. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, atheists and many more, from all over the United States and many other countries."
The 111-year-old church, located in Greenville, sustained heavy fire, water and smoke damage to its interior, particularly in the kitchen and pastor’s study. The phrase “Vote Trump” was spray-painted on the side of the building.
The Trump campaign released a statement denouncing the act, saying, "We are deeply saddened for the members of the Hopewell M.B. Church community and condemn in the strongest terms this terrible act that has no place in our society."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Jackson office of the FBI and other federal agencies are assisting local police in the investigation. No suspects have been reported but authorities have spoken to at least one person of interest.
