Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Halls Target Of Arson: ATF

THURSTON COUNTY, WA — Multiple Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Halls in Thurston County have been the target of arson and violence since March 2018, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which announced a fifth incident late last week.

A Kingdom Hall in Lacey was reportedly set on fire last Friday, adding to the others previously reported around the county, ATF officials said. Two fires reportedly caused minor damage at Kingdom Halls in Olympia and Tumwater on March 19, while an incident May 15 saw 35 rifle rounds fired into a Kingdom Hall in Yelm.

On July 3, a fire at the same Kingdom Hall in Olympia completely destroyed the building, officials said.

No suspects have been identified nor is it entirely clear why anyone is trying to destroy the places of worship.

The Jehovah's Witness religion is considerably more insular than most other Christian denominations, with an estimated 8.5 million active worshippers foregoing most social interactions with the general public — aside from the door-to-door proselytizing for which they're most well-known.

The group does not celebrate any holidays they consider pagan in origin or birthdays. They also do not participate in national politics.

ATF officials have reportedly offered a $36,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

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