An arson attack that destroyed a 117-year-old church in Portland, Oregon, has become a symbol of unrest in the city this week.
Trans woman Cameron David Storer, also known as “Nicolette Faith,” was arrested following an investigation by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigations. The 27-year-old is charged with two counts of first-degree arson, one count of second-degree arson and two counts of second-degree burglary, all felonies.
Prosecutors said Storer walked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and admitted to setting the church on fire with a lighter.
“Storer said they heard voices saying they were going to ‘kill’ Storer if they didn’t burn down the church and had planned it the day before,” the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. . Storer allegedly told investigators he was taking oxycodone and had a history of mental illness.
Fire crews responded to a sky-high blaze that engulfed the historic Portland Korean Church in downtown on Jan. 3 around 5:30 p.m. The Protestant church was built in 1905 and was formerly known as the First German Evangelical Church. The church had been unused for several years after the congregation moved to the suburbs.
The massive fire required 12 fire engines, six ladder trucks, four battalion chiefs and 75 firefighters.
According to the fire department, the remains of the church’s charred tower could collapse at any moment, blocking the area awaiting immediate demolition. The church was previously damaged in a fire in 2020 and has been regularly occupied illegally.
The 27-year-old trans woman was charged with two counts of first-degree arson, one count of second-degree arson and two counts of second-degree burglary.
Crews spent the night pouring water on a fire at the Old Portland Korean Church to try to put out the blaze.
The historic church is located in an area known by locals for “heavy transient activity”, with homeless tents set up on the streets.
The suspect was arraigned Tuesday afternoon, where prosecutors asked that Storer be denied bail. According to court documents, Storer did not enter a plea.
Storer’s last known address is in Rhode Island, where the landlord has an open case against him.
Portland Fire and Rescue said in a statement that the area around the church will continue to be closed. “All travel in the area will be restricted until the building is removed.”
Andy Ngo is the managing editor of The Post Millennial newspaper.
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