TUCSON, Ariz.— A federal jury in Tucson has found Eric Ridenour, 58, of Douglas, guilty on all six counts of arson and hate crimes related to the destruction of two churches on May 22, 2023.
Ridenour was convicted for setting fire to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Arizona. These churches, situated in the historic Church Square district, were part of a unique intersection representing four different Christian denominations: Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist. Testimony during the trial revealed that Ridenour’s actions were driven by his animosity toward the churches’ inclusive practices, particularly their acceptance of women and LGBTQ members in leadership roles. He was apprehended on May 23, 2023.
“Religious freedom is a cornerstone of American values,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino. “The act of burning a church is abhorrent. When such acts are driven by a disdain for the inclusive religious practices of a congregation, it becomes even more reprehensible. We commend the courage of the congregations at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal and First Presbyterian Churches for their resilience in the face of this hate crime.”
Ridenour faces significant penalties: a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for Arson of Property Used in Interstate Commerce; up to 20 years for Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire; and 10 to 20 years for Using Fire to Commit Federal Felony offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2024, before United States District Court Judge Scott H. Rash.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Douglas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Fenwick, Ben Goldberg, and Adam Rossi of the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
