A woman arrested for reportedly starting a fire outside a church in El Paso, Texas, is accused of hand-delivering nasty messages to the facility ahead of a Charlie Kirk vigil, according to a report.
Marynka Marquez, 35, of Denton, was charged with arson following the incident at Beth El Bible Church last Wednesday, according to the El Paso Police Department.
“When police arrived, the investigation revealed that a woman had gone to the church, placed a large bag against the outside wall of the church, set it on fire, and then fled the scene,” according to authorities. “Fortunately, the pastor was leaving the church when he spotted the fire and quickly put it out.”
According to an arrest document obtained, the culprit also left a bag inside the church, where a vigil for Kirk was scheduled on the next day. Inside the bag, a paper plate was discovered with the inscription, “C Kirk is eating p— and s— in h—,” and, “Soon you’ll help him eat and drink it all,” the station stated, citing the affidavit.
Another plate inside the bag read, “C is a 4 coward, C is a 4 conservative, and C is 4 control.”
Investigators apparently tracked down Marquez by following a business card left inside the luggage.
“The investigation revealed that the bag contained a paper plate with hateful language inscribed,” the El Paso Police Department stated.
Marquez was detained on September 18 and put into the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $50,000 bond.
According to the affidavit, Marquez informed church volunteers on the day of the incident that she wanted to drop off a parcel for the Kirk vigil. One of the volunteers then escorted her to the front stage, where a bag had been deposited, it said.
According to the affidavit, a volunteer who discovered the contents of the package informed police that it was a direct threat to the church intended to intimidate the vigil for the late conservative activist.
“Beth El Bible Church is disheartened that we face these circumstances,” the church said after Marquez was arrested. “We believe in allowing local authorities to carry out their duties. As a church, we have decided to forgive. We praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his protection of our facilities and lives.”
