Church fire termed a hate crime

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Three men are in custody nearly two months after a raging fire that destroyed a predominantly black church.

Now the act is being termed a hate crime and residents are reacting.

Three Springfield men who reportedly live near the Macedonia Church of God in Christ are now in custody.

22 year old Benjamin Haskell, 24 year old Michael Jacques, 21 year old Thomas Gleason face civil charges.

According to the affadavit, Haskell told investigators Jacques was angry about the election of Barack Obama and thought, "Blacks and Puerto Ricans would now have more rights than whites".

Residents said they were shocked this type of hatred still exists.

"You would think now in 2009 this would not be happening. You would think the whole society and world could change and be better. But, we still have people out there who have hate," said one Springfield resident.

Cheryl Davis of Springfield said, "I'm not surprised that there's still some narrow-minded people that aren't as educated as they should be".

The fire caused two million dollars in damages, and the church is in the process of being demolished. 

Bishop Bryant Robinson told 22News they will rebuild again.