A Rhode Island man was arrested Thursday, accused of setting multiple fires around the Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence on Sunday. The majority of the congregation is Black, the church’s administrator told investigators.

Kevin Colantonio of North Providence is in federal custody and charged under a federal arson statute, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced. 

The front of the Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence.
Multiple fires were set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence early Sunday, Feb. 11. Credit: Courtesy U.S. Attorney, District of Rhode Island

Investigators allege Colantonio set several fires at the church in the early morning hours on Sunday. The fire was quickly extinguished by the North Providence fire department and no injuries were reported. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked with North Providence Police and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the alleged crime, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Providence. The investigation is ongoing.

Jeremy leads the investigations desk at The Public’s Radio, helping the newsroom publish more investigative and accountability journalism that matters to Rhode Island and the Southcoast. Prior to...