At the center of the investigation into crimes against Jehovah’s Witnesses – including two fires that destroyed worship centers – is a question that has vexed Washington state investigators, the governor and pretty much anyone who has come into contact with the religious denomination:
Who could muster this much destructive rage against a religion full of pacifists?
On Friday morning, Thurston County authorities responded to a predawn fire in the city of Lacey, Washington. But by the time firefighters arrived, it was too late. The blaze had caused the roof to collapse and destroyed the kingdom hall, the name Jehovah’s Witnesses give to their worship centers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives quickly ruled that the fire was intentionally set, saying it fit the pattern of the other kingdom hall attacks in Thurston County over the past nine months that have rocked the Jehovah’s Witness community.