A Rhode Island man, Kevin Colantonio, is set to plead guilty on January 7, 2024, to federal charges of setting fires outside Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black Pentecostal church in North Providence. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 11, 2023, was racially motivated, according to court filings.
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Prosecutors allege Colantonio, 36, ignited multiple fires around the church using gasoline and a pocket lighter he had purchased from a local convenience store. Although the building was vacant at the time, the fires caused property damage. Quick intervention by police and firefighters prevented catastrophic destruction.
Hate-Filled Writings Found in Suspect’s Home
A search of Colantonio’s residence revealed disturbing materials, including notebooks with phrases such as “burn churches down to the ground,” “hunt them down,” and “gun everyone down who isn’t white.” Federal authorities concluded that the fires were set due to the race, religion, and ethnicity of the church’s predominantly Black and African American congregation, which has been a cornerstone of the local community for 35 years.
Serious Federal Charges
Colantonio faces four federal charges: obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs, malicious damage by means of fire, and two counts of assaulting federal officers. The latter charges stem from an incident in March 2023, while Colantonio was in custody, where he allegedly threw a concoction of feces and urine at two corrections officers.
If convicted on all charges, Colantonio could face up to 56 years in prison, though federal guidelines typically impose lighter sentences for those who plead guilty. His plea agreement includes a mandatory minimum of five years, a possible fine of up to $1 million, and three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
Unwavering Commitment from First Responders
The swift action of North Providence’s police and fire departments played a critical role in mitigating the damage. First responders arrived at the scene shortly after midnight, following reports of a man attempting to set fires at the church. Federal officials later acknowledged that without their quick response, Shiloh Gospel Temple might have been completely destroyed.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Colantonio’s intention to plead guilty was confirmed in a federal plea agreement filed on December 20. His lawyer, Kara Manosh, has not commented on the case. The hearing to formalize his plea is scheduled for January 7, marking the next step in what has been a deeply troubling case for the community.
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The arson attempt has shaken the congregation of Shiloh Gospel Temple and highlighted the enduring threat of hate crimes against places of worship in the United States. Federal officials, including Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha, have emphasized their commitment to prosecuting hate crimes to the fullest extent of the law.