Church: Van vandalized before vigil against hate

Pocatello church officials say vandalism just before a vigil against hate and racism is no coincidence.

Pastor Jacqualine Thomas of the Praise Temple Church of God said all was fine when she left at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

If you would like to attend the vigil, come to the church on 653 N. 11th Ave. at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday).Organizers are hoping at least 100 people show up.

On Thursday, before a vigil for the victims the deadly shooting in Charleston, S.C., one of the church’s van was scratched.

“I feel that we’re going back 200 years in time versus progressing, and something is definitely wrong if we still have this much hatred bottled up in some individuals,” said Thomas.

Police were called.

Thomas said things like this have happened before — in fact there are less visible scratches on the other side of the van. She said the church is saving up for surveillance cameras.