Church vandalized following fire
Pastor of St. Paul AME holds press conference to denounce acts.
The Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra speaks during a press conference in front of St. Paul AME Church in Ocala on May 20, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Update following the 3pm May 20 press conference:
Following the devastating fire at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in northwest Ocala on May 16, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra, on May 19 posted on social media that she would hold a press conference at 3 p.m. May 20 in response to acts of vandalism.
“As the members of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ocala continue to mourn the devastating fire that occurred just days ago, we now face an additional act of harm against our sacred space,” she wrote in the post, adding that on Tuesday, at approximately noon, church officers had arrived on the campus along with officials from Ocala Fire Rescue as they continued their investigation into the fire.
“During that time, it was discovered that an individual or individuals had unlawfully entered the church building and vandalized the property. Racial slurs and threatening language were found outside and inside the church,” Mirra wrote in part.
Church leadership notified Episcopal leadership and the Ocala Police Department launched an investigation into the incident. The FBI also has been notified, the post noted.
During the press conference on Wednesday, which was live streamed on social media, Mirra was joined by a number of religious leaders from the community and beyond.
“I stand here today with a heavy heart, full of emotion, but also with an unshakeable faith. The fire alone was enough to shake us, to test us, but today we stand in the wake of something more painful. What was already a moment of mourning has become moral outrage,” she said in part.
We condemn without hesitation every act of hate, racism, sexism and violence, she told those gathered.
“We stand here today grieving but not defeated. We are resilient,” she offered. “St. Paul is a living testimony that has endured through generations. We will rebuild. We will rise. We will continue to be a place where all are welcome, all are loved and all can encounter the presence of God.”
To learn more about the fire, go to Faith beyond the ashes | Ocala Gazette
ORIGINAL POST:
Following a devastating fire at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in northwest Ocala on May 16, the church’s paster on May 19 posted on social media that she would hold a press conference at 3 p.m. May 20 in response to acts of vandalism.
The Facebook post by the Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra stated, “As the members of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (SPC) in Ocala continue to mourn the devastating fire that occurred just days ago, we now face an additional act of harm against our sacred space.”
On Tuesday, at approximately noon, church officers arrived on the campus along with officials from Ocala Fire Rescue as they concluded their investigation of the fire.
“During that time, it was discovered that an individual or individuals had unlawfully entered the church building and vandalized the property. Racial slurs and threatening language were found both outside and inside the church. On the exterior sign, was a racial slur ‘Peckerwood Will Lick,’ along with a handicap logo as well. This is offensive and racially charged wording, along with inappropriate symbols. Inside the sanctuary and surrounding areas, similar slurs and disturbing images were discovered, further compounding the pain of an already grieving congregation. Inside the church was a repetition of similar slurs such as ‘Peckerwood was here’ and death faces with demon horns. For those who may be unfamiliar with this term, this is a supremacist term used to mark or ‘lick’ locations for threat of violence,” Mirra wrote.
Church leadership immediately notified Episcopal leadership and the Ocala Police Department responded promptly and launched an investigation into the incident. The FBI also has been notified, the post noted.
“While these acts are deeply troubling, St. Paul AME Church remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, justice and community. We unequivocally condemn all acts of hate, racism and violence. At the same time, we will not be moved from our calling to love, to serve and to stand as a beacon of hope in this community,” Mirra wrote.
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