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Cops probe 2 NYC church firebombings in a week as hate crime

Both fires were set by someone throwing a Molotov cocktail at the buildings; both fires were contained to the exteriors

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Police are investigating the firebombings of two New York City Christian churches in the same week as hate crimes.

Police say a man tossed a Molotov cocktail on Thursday morning at the First Central Baptist Church on Staten Island, setting the exterior wall of the church and its awning on fire.

On Sunday, a Molotov cocktail was thrown through a front window of St. Paul’s Memorial Episcopal Church on Staten Island, causing a small blaze. Police say the church had minor damage from the fire.

Both churches are in the Stapleton neighborhood.

No arrests have been made.

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