CHESTERLAND, Ohio — The Community Church of Chesterland was vandalized on Friday night by Molotov Cocktails ahead of an upcoming drag show event.
Officials from The Fairmount Group, which is organizing the April 1 drag brunch at the church, say the incident destroyed the church's sign, but left minimal damage.
A press release from the Geauga County Sheriff's Office said:
"At least one incendiary device had struck the exterior of the church, resulting in very minor damage. No portion of the structure appeared to have ignited; however, scorching was noted on the building’s exterior. Officers also noted that one of the church signs had also been damaged."
No one was injured during the incident as the church was unoccupied at the time.
Following the alleged attack, the Community Church of Chesterland is working to add additional security measures in order to ensure the safety of everyone during the Drag Brunch and Story Hour on April 1.
The Fairmount Group also said that law enforcement officers are investigating the incident.
3News previously reported that Element 41, the Chardon restaurant partnering with the Community Church of Chesterland to hold the drag brunch, received major criticism after announcing the event.
“They’re calling us pedophiles and it’s getting really crazy where I have to turn my phone off at night,” Element 41 owner Paul Mendolera previously told 3News. “It's taking it to the next level where we're having people saying that they're coming to protest, hundred people strong with concealed carry permits, and they want to save the children.”
The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office said they will assist should local police ask for their assistance, and emphasized that any protest should be a peaceful protest.
Additionally, the Chester Township Police Department is working with investigators from multiple partner agencies on the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chester Township Police Department at (440) 729-1239 or (440) 729-1234.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 14, 2023.
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