Madison County Deputies Probe Church Vandalism Ahead of Turning Point USA Event

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a local church was defaced with graffiti ahead of a scheduled Turning Point USA event Thursday night.

The defacement was discovered at The Movement Church on Browns Ferry Road. According to a sheriff’s office spokesperson, the graffiti appeared sometime between 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. Church staff noticed the markings Wednesday morning.

Pastor Lori Adgate told WAFF 48 News that the vandalism seems directly linked to the event the church plans to host, which will feature Turning Point USA and Moms for Liberty. She wrote:

“While it’s not common for churches to speak out regarding political matters, Movement Church has never shied away from addressing real issues in our culture.” Adgate said. “Unfortunately, we have seen growing hostility toward those who stand firm in their convictions. Our hope and prayer is that this moment reminds us all that disagreement does not have to lead to destruction.”

ALPolitics.com spoke with Pastor Adgate on Wednesday about the incident:

“When we got to the church, we noticed that there was graffiti on our building speaking out against Brian Dawson, and I assume speaking out against the event that's taking place tomorrow. This is the culture that we're living in, unfortunately, in America. This is what we're saying that people resort to you know, acts of vandalism, active violence rather than having sit-down conversations, having debate, having a clear communication.

“What we saw this morning could have very well just been an email communication. It could've been as simple as having a phone call, instead of the message being spray-painted on the house of God.

“It seems just such a disrespect, not only to our church and to our community. My heart actually hurts that this is where our culture is now. You know, thirty years ago it would've been astonishing to see such violence that we’ve seen taking place in churches. For someone to come and deface a house of God? Even by a non-believer, it would've been unheard of.

“We're seeing such a decline in our culture that, as a mother, I am concerned about what might be the future of my children.”

Adgate said that a neighbor had volunteered their pressure washer, and it was being used to remove the graffiti while she was speaking with ALPolitics.com Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff Kevin Turner released a statement condemning the act:

“Acts of vandalism and intimidation have no place in our community. Every person, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, deserves to feel safe where they worship, work, or gather. We will not tolerate this type of behavior in Madison County. Our detectives are working diligently to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.”

He continued:

“To the citizens of Madison County, please know that this kind of conduct is unacceptable, and we will use every available resource to bring those responsible to justice. This is not who we are as a community.”

Officials are urging anyone with information about the vandalism to contact county detectives at 256-533-8820 or 256-722-7181.

No arrests have been made so far. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

The event that apparently precipitated the vandalism is a “Turning Point Night” organized for “carrying forward Charlie Kirk’s vision for a generation unafraid to defend faith and freedom” for Thursday evening, October 9 at 6:00 PM. Turning Point Field Reps Jacob Lawrence and Maddie Lawrence are scheduled to speak, with Brian Dawson, CEO of 1819 News being the Keynote Speaker.

The event will be proceeding as planned, according to Pastor Adgate, who also said that additional security personnel will be on hand.

While admission is free, pre-registration is required, as is a photo ID at the door.

To register, either scan the QR code on the flyer below, or go to THIS LINK.