A federal jury in Tucson found Eric Ridenour, 58, guilty on all six counts of arson and hate crimes related to the burning of two historic churches in Douglas, Arizona, on May 22, 2023.
Ridenour targeted Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, both located in the city’s historic Church Square. This unique intersection was believed to be the only one housing churches from four different denominations in the nation.
Trial testimony revealed that Ridenour’s motive was his hostility towards the churches’ acceptance of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles.
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United States Attorney Gary Restaino condemned the act, emphasizing the sanctity of religious freedom and denouncing the hate-motivated crime. He also expressed gratitude to the affected churches and their parishioners for their resilience in the face of this attack.
A conviction for Arson of Property Used in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 20 years. A conviction for Obstruction of the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs by Fire carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
A conviction for Using Fire to Commit a Federal Felony carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. A second conviction carries a penalty of 20 years in prison.
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Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2024.
The investigation was a collaborative effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Douglas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Fenwick, Ben Goldberg, and Adam Rossi handled the prosecution.
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