In a shocking case that highlights the impact of hate-fueled violence, an Ohio man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for firebombing a church that planned to host drag shows. The defendant, Aimenn D. Penny, pleaded guilty to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and malicious use of explosive materials. The incident took place on March 25, 2023, at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio.
The Community Church of Chesterland had made plans to host two drag shows to support the LGBTQ+ community. However, Aimenn Penny, a 20-year-old resident of Alliance, Ohio, took offense to these events and decided to take matters into his own hands. Driven by extreme views and affiliations with white supremacist groups, Penny saw the church’s decision to host drag shows as an affront to his beliefs.
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On the night of March 25, Penny arrived at the Community Church of Chesterland armed with Molotov cocktails. He threw two gasoline-filled bottles at the church in an attempt to burn it down. Fortunately, the damage caused by the firebombs was minimal, but the incident sent shockwaves through the community.
Following his arrest on March 31, 2023, Aimenn Penny faced several charges, including violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, malicious use of explosive materials, using fire to commit a federal felony, and possessing a destructive device. However, as part of a plea agreement, the latter two charges were dropped.
In October 2023, Penny pleaded guilty to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and malicious use of explosive materials. This plea resulted in a sentence of 18 years in federal prison. The judge also ordered Penny to pay $10,507 in restitution to the church, undergo mental health treatment, and serve three years of supervised probation upon his release.
The firebombing incident had a profound impact on the Community Church of Chesterland and its congregants. The preschool operating within the church premises was forced to shut down, and church members experienced significant trauma. However, despite the attack, the church remained resilient. New supporters and members joined, strengthening the community’s resolve.
Jess Peacock, the pastor of the Community Church of Chesterland, addressed Aimenn Penny during the sentencing hearing, stating that his efforts ultimately failed. Peacock emphasized that hate will always fail, and the church continued to hold the planned drag shows as an act of defiance against intolerance.
Throughout the legal process, Aimenn Penny showed no remorse for his actions. FBI agents discovered letters and a manifesto in which Penny expressed pride in his attack on the church. The documents revealed Penny’s extreme views and his affiliation with white supremacist groups. Prior to the church firebombing, Penny had been involved in protesting a drag queen event in Wadsworth, Ohio.
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Officials from the Department of Justice strongly condemned Aimenn Penny’s actions. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, from the national security division, highlighted the importance of holding Penny accountable for his violence against the church and its members. He emphasized that acts of extremist violence have no place in society and that the Justice Department remains committed to protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark, from the civil rights division, expressed hope that Penny’s sentence would send a clear message that hate-fueled attacks against churches would not be tolerated. She underscored the importance of investigating and prosecuting bias-motivated violence and ensuring the protection of religious freedom.
