In a shocking incident on Easter morning, a trailer filled with Bibles was intentionally set on fire outside an evangelical church in Tennessee. The Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, near Nashville, became the scene of the crime, sparking outrage and condemnation from the church's pastor and local authorities.
Local police and firefighters responded swiftly to the fire at around 6 a.m., extinguishing the blaze at an intersection near the church. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the trailer, containing hundreds of Bibles, was deliberately placed in the middle of the intersection and set ablaze. The motive behind the act remains under investigation, with authorities working to preserve the integrity of the ongoing inquiry.
Pastor Greg Locke, known for his controversial statements and social media presence, shared images of the charred trailer on Facebook and Instagram. During a live-streamed Easter service, Pastor Locke vowed that the perpetrator would face severe consequences. He described the security footage capturing the incident and expressed disbelief at the audacity of the culprit. Locke asserted that the incident was being treated as a hate crime, with the FBI involved in the investigation.
Locke's church, Global Vision, has faced multiple instances of vandalism in recent years, including graffiti targeting the pastor and disruptive actions during events. The incident comes amidst tensions surrounding Locke's outspoken views on various social and political issues, including COVID-19 vaccines, LGBTQ+ rights, and his support for former President Donald Trump.
Pastor Locke's confrontational approach and divisive rhetoric have made him a polarizing figure in the community. He has garnered national attention for his vocal opposition to President Joe Biden, mainstream media, and what he terms as leftist ideologies. Locke's church has been at the center of controversies, with clashes over noise disturbances during late-night services and construction activities.
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Despite facing criticism and opposition, Locke remains steadfast in his beliefs and continues to advocate for his viewpoints through his platform. The incident of the burning Bibles adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding religious freedom, hate crimes, and the role of provocative speech in inciting violence or vandalism.