Screenshot / Facebook, Global Vision Bible Church / Screenshot, X, Steve Deace, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

Police revealed on Easter morning that a trailer loaded with Bibles was deliberately set ablaze at a busy intersection in Mt. Juliet, a city situated approximately 20 miles east of Nashville.

The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office promptly responded to reports of a fire at the junction of Old Lebanon Dirt Road and Chandler Road around 6 a.m. on Sunday. Swift action from the Mt. Juliet Fire Department contained and extinguished the trailer fire.

The trailer, which was stationed near the Global Vision Bible Church, was intentionally ignited after being left in the middle of the intersection, per law enforcement officials.

Pastor Greg Locke, who recently returned from a trip to Israel, expressed his shock upon learning of the incident at his church on such a sacred day.

Locke, who has been outspoken about his conservative beliefs, addressed his church members, revealing that security cameras captured footage of an individual dropping off the trailer filled with Bibles before setting it ablaze. Despite residing close to the church, Locke remained unaware of the event until he arrived Sunday morning.

Images shared by Locke on social media depicted the aftermath of the fire, showcasing charred Bibles alongside emergency response vehicles. He described the surreal scene and emphasized the courage displayed by the perpetrator, who meticulously executed the act.

Comments on the Sheriff's Office's Facebook post called the incident a “hate crime” and “sick stunt.”

Locke, however, maintained an optimistic outlook, declaring, “It's going to be a great day in the Lord.” He urged the congregation to persevere, viewing challenges as opportunities to reaffirm their faith.

Commenters expressed a range of emotions, from outrage at the desecration to prayers for the perpetrator's redemption. Some commended the swift response of law enforcement and firefighters, while others rallied behind Pastor Locke and the church community.

The Wilson County Sheriff's Office has assumed control of the investigation into the suspicious fire. Despite their assurances of prioritizing public safety, no arrests have been made at this time.