A Rhode Island man faces federal charges for allegedly setting several fires and damaging a church in what prosecutors called a “deliberate act.”
“Multiple” fires were set around the exterior of the Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence earlier this week, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island. The building was vacant at the time and no injuries were reported, the office said, but the fire caused “significant property damage.”
Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, was charged by federal criminal complaint on Thursday with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property.
He was ordered detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing following his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday. He has not yet entered a plea. ABC News did not immediately receive a response from his attorney to a message seeking comment.
Investigators identified a suspect in the arson through surveillance footage, according to the affidavit.
Colantonio was allegedly captured purchasing a red gas canister and Bic lighter and pumping gas at a Cumberland Farms located less than a half mile away from the church shortly before midnight on Saturday, according to the affidavit. He is then allegedly seen on multiple surveillance cameras walking toward the church holding the gas canister and then pouring an “ignitable liquid” around the exterior of the building, according to the affidavit.