Watch CBS News

Hate Crime Possible In Florida Church Defacing

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) -- Federal authorities are investigating a possible hate crime after three predominantly African-American Florida churches that were defaced with letters saying, "KKK."

Wakulla County Sheriff Charlie Creel says the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is also involved in the probe. Someone spray-painted the letters signifying the white supremacist group Ku Klux Klan on the three churches over the past week. A truck parked at a golf course was also defaced.

About 50 people attended a vigil Thursday night at New Bridge Hope Missionary Baptist Church, one of the targeted churches. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that organizers said it was a show of unity and a sign the community will not be shaken.

Florida and U.S. law both make hate crimes felonies.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

RELATED CONTENT:

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.