EL MONTE (CNS) - Authorities are investigating vandalism and a possible explosion that occurred today at a church in El Monte.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched at 1:13 a.m. to the First Works Baptist Church, 2600 Tyler Ave., in response to smoke at the church, according to a county fire department dispatcher.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 4:23 a.m., he said.
El Monte police Lt. Christopher Cano told ABC7 that the church walls had been vandalized.
A watch commander at the El Monte Police Department could not be reached for further comment.
The church, headed by Pastor Bruce Mejia, has been the focus of community protests in recent weeks due to what are perceived to be teachings against the LGBTQ community.
Mejia has said his doctrine since the church was launched three years ago includes condemnation of same-sex relationships.
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