Statement Of Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler Regarding Vandalism At The Parsons Primitive Methodist Church In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

On Monday June 7^th, 2021, the Parsons Primitive Methodist Church located on Austin Avenue, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was vandalized by unidentified individuals. Damage to the Church was extensive and included desecration of a bible, desecration of an American flag, and the discharge of two fire extinguishers throughout the building. This activity is not only abhorrent but also potentially constitutes a serious federal crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the FBI's Scranton office are in regular contact with local authorities. If, in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prepared to prosecute.  Anyone with information or who may have captured security footage relevant to this incident is asked to contact the Wilkes-Barre Police Department at 570-208-4218 or the Wilkes-Barre Detective Division at 570-208-4222.

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