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A 117-year-old church in Portland, Oregon, was destroyed by arson last week, and the incident has come to represent the unrest in the city.
After receiving many reports that the church was on fire, Portland Fire and Rescue was called to the location and arrived six minutes later at about 5:24 p.m. By 5:40 p.m., the top and southern side of the church had partially fallen.
It was later discovered that the adjoining house’s outside caught fire as a result of the evacuation. Twelve fire engines, six ladder trucks, four battalion commanders, and 75 Portland Incident and Rescue personnel were needed for the response and containment of the fire.
An investigation by the Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Investigations Unit led to the arrest of Cameron David Storer, a transgender person also known as “Nicolette Fait.” A total of four felonies—two counts of first-degree arson, one case of second-degree arson, and two counts each of second-degree burglary—are brought against the 27-year-old.
According to the prosecution, Storer entered the Multnomah County Detention Facility and admitted to using a lighter to start the church on fire. The New York Post reported.
Storer stated that they heard voices in their head saying they would ‘mutilate’ Storer if they did not burn the church down and that they had planned it up to one day in advance,” said the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in a press release.
Storer also reported taking approximately 10 oxycodone daily due to a previous injury and that they had a history of schizophrenia. Throughout the interview, Storer asked to be referred to as “Nicolette”. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges, including an offense for which Oregon law permits pretrial detention, and is requesting that Storer remain in custody and be held without bail.
According to the fire brigade, which closed off the area while a demolition was being done, what was left of the church’s burned spire may fall at any time.
The church had previously suffered damage from a fire in 2020 and was frequently inhabited illegally by squatters, the New York Post report added.
Independent Writer. Marketing and communications strategist for politicians, artists, public figures & corporate brands for more than 10 years. Contact: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)
Escritor independiente. Consultor en marketing y comunicaciones de políticos, artistas, figuras públicas y marcas por más de 10 años. Contacto: @alejandrosbasso (Twitter)