A local elected official told CNN Tuesday that recent fires that took down three historically black churches in Louisiana are believed to be intentionally set.
Some pastors are reportedly sleeping in their churches to guard against further attacks.
In initial reports, police said they found “suspicious elements” at all three sites.
The three churches in St. Landry Parish — St. Mary’s Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church — are all more than 100 years old.