The FBI has opened an investigation into an 'IED attack' at a California church known for its pastor's controversial sermons
The FBI has launched an investigation into an "IED attack" that caused an explosion at a Los Angeles County church on Saturday.
The explosion happened at First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, California, according to the FBI, and bomb techs were processing the scene.
The FBI responded overnight with @elmontepolice & @LASDHQ to an #IED attack at the First Works Baptist Church in El Monte, CA. Bomb Techs & the FBI's Evidence Team continue to process the scene. If you have a tip about the responsible party, please call 3104776565. #SeekingInfo pic.twitter.com/LobrjbrZtx
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) January 23, 2021
Officials from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene after 1 a.m. local time. When they arrived, smoke was coming out of the windows and the church was covered in graffiti, according to ABC News.
First Works Baptist Church is known for its controversial anti-LGBTQ sermons, NBC News reported.
According to NBC, the church's pastor, Bruce Meija, has gained attention from protestors after making controversial statements about the LGBQT+ community, women, and interracial couples.
In a video posted by a Twitter user, the church's pastor Bruce Mejia, described women as "weak."
In another video, Mejia says that God has rejected homosexuals and calls them "f-ggots."
More than 15,000 people have signed an online petition calling for El Monte's mayor to recognize the church as a hate group.
El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona called for a full investigation into the explosion by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
"This early morning's incident involving the First Works Baptist Church is highly concerning to me and all of us in our great City of El Monte. I am calling for a full and thorough investigation to take place by all the necessary agencies and entities such as the FBI, LA County Sheriffs, LA County Fire, El Monte PD, including the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission. As your mayor, I will always ensure that the City of El Monte continues to be an example for civility, respect, and inclusion of all people across the nation," Ancona tweeted.
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