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On April 11, 2019, St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz spoke at a press conference concerning the recent burning of three historically black churches. As he briefed reporters surrounded by representatives of the churches, Guidroz wore a tie adorned with pictures of handguns. The arsonist responsible for the crimes is a 21 year-old white man, Holden Matthews.
At the presser, Guidroz and other law enforcement officials blamed the arson on Matthews listening to black metal music, alluding to church burnings by musicians in Scandinavia that had nothing to do with racism (they were anti-Christian in nature). Sheriff Guidroz even bragged that Matthews’ father—one of his “best friends”—was not the one who turned his son in.
Holden Matthews has been charged with three counts of simple arson of a religious building, with a maximum punishment of 15 years in jail.
Please contact Sheriff Guidroz through one of the channels below and give him the following message, personalized to your liking:
Sheriff Guidroz, I was disgusted to see video of you wearing a tie with handguns printed on it during a press conference on April 11, 2019. How dare you glorify weapons that have been used to commit so much violence in African-American communities during this information session on the burning of three black churches? You knew representatives of these churches were present and looking at you. You are also fully aware that firearms have been used historically by the white population in Louisiana to oppress people of color, including slaves. Furthermore, the burning of churches in Scandinavia by black metal musicians had absolutely nothing to do with racism! Those acts of arson were anti-Christian/anti-religious in nature. You are supposed to be a law enforcement leader for EVERYONE in the community of St. Landry Parish. Start acting like one and stop engaging in idolatry. And LISTEN to the African-American community in your Parish about why this violence occurred and what should be done in response. Stop talking and LISTEN.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz
Phone: (337) 948-6516
Email: info@slpsheriff.com
or bguidroz@slpsheriff.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slpsheriff/
Twitter: @VisitStLandryLA
Once you have contacted Sheriff Guidroz, fill out the three fields below and click the orange banner to report taking action!