The destruction of the historic Clayborn Temple in Memphis, a landmark tied to the Civil Rights Movement, has been ruled arson by the Memphis Fire Department (MFD. The MFD, in cooperation with the ATF's National Response Team, determined that the fire on April 28, which resulted in damages estimated at $5.5 million, was deliberately set. Officials are actively seeking a person of interest whose images have been circulated by the fire department, as reported by Action News 5.
Fire spots continued to flare for hours even after the blaze was brought under control within an hour, according to MFD Chief Gina Sweat, per Local Memphis. The temple's interior was described as a "complete loss" with no reported injuries. Control of the site has since been returned to the Clayborn Temple management team, who have pledged to rebuild faithfully.
The person of interest's released images have increased calls for information that could assist in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with knowledge of the incident has been urged to contact CrimeStoppers or the State Arson Hotline, as stated by FOX13 and Action News 5.
