FBI Seeks Intel on IED Attack at Controversial El Monte Church

PHOTOS/Courtesy of the FBI.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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LOS ANGELES - $25,000 could be yours after the FBI announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible in a January 23 bombing that damaged a church known for its inflammatory remarks against the LGBTQ community.

Investigators revealed a male and female were witnessed smashing a window at First Works Baptist Church, 2600 Tyler Ave. An object was ignited and thrown in. An explosion followed shortly after, according to the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.

The El Monte Police Department was first called at 1 a.m.

PHOTOS/Courtesy of the FBI.

Both suspects fled into a vehicle and escaped from the scene.

First Works Baptist Church founder Delfin Bruce Mejia has unapologetically spewed hate and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric during sermons and on social media. He slowly became the ire of an entire community, which responded with protests and demands to shut down the church.

A petition reportedly more than 15,000 signatures strong was sent to El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona to close the church.

The male suspect is described as Hispanic, between 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall and 170 to 180 pounds. The female is possible between 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall and between 125 to 130 pounds.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the FBI Los Angeles Field Office at 310-477-6565, or any local FBI field office, or American Consulate.

PHOTO/Courtesy of the FBI.