Cross Set on Fire Outside Upstate New York Church Under Federal Investigation

A fire outside a church in Ulster County has led to a multi-agency investigation involving federal and state authorities including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The Kingston Police Department reported that at approximately 4am on Wednesday, someone ignited an eight-foot cross outside Crossroads Christian Fellowship on Albany Avenue in Kingston.

The church, previously known as First Baptist Church, was not physically impacted beyond the cross, which was located near some shrubbery.

The Kingston Fire Department responded quickly and contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to other parts of the property.

According to police, the cross was the only item damaged in the incident.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the act is being investigated as a hate crime. The investigation is ongoing and law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward.

The Kingston Police Department is working with the Kingston Fire Department, the New York State Arson Task Force, and the ATF to determine the cause and intent behind the fire.

Cross Set on Fire Outside Upstate New York Church Under Federal Investigation