A Flint, Michigan, man has been charged with arson and other related crimes for setting fire to St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church last week, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.
According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning of August 30, 2025, St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan was deliberately set on fire. The incident was captured on video surveillance cameras in St. Mark’s, showing a suspect, allegedly Billy J. Chambers, setting the church on fire. In the video, Chambers brings a gas can wrapped in a black garbage bag to the church and uses an ignition device to set it on fire. Due to damage caused by the fire, St. Mark’s Church was unable to hold services for approximately two months.
Chambers was charged with arson, obstructing the free exercise of religion and arson to commit a federal crime. Chambers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum arbitrary sentence.
“This alleged attempt to burn down a church is yet another attack on Christians. But the Department of Justice will protect all Americans and their right to worship without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
The investigation was conducted by agents with the ATF and Flint Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan
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