Amid riots, Minneapolis basilica damaged by fire
The nation’s first basilica sustained fire damage amid the Minneapolis riots that have crippled the city after the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer May 25. “The Basilica of Saint Mary did withstand minor damage yesterday. No one was injured in the incident.
Photos posted on social media purport to show several fire damaged pews inside the basilica. While the photos do seem to match the appearance of the church’s interior, a basilica spokeswoman told CNA she could not comment on the photos or verify their authenticity.
Buildings across the Twin Cities have burned or been destroyed, after protests responding to Floyd’s death have turned into several nights of rioting and looting. Both peaceful demonstrations and riots have taken place in dozens of other cities across the country.
St. Mary’s Basilica is located near the Minneapolis downtown, and more than a mile from the center of the riots in that city.
“At the time we pray for peace and healing in our city,” a spokesperson for the basilica said in a statement issued May 30.
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Photo bellow was taken at the scene of the crime and posted publicly on social media
