Staff Reports
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is looking into a fire that caused a Krispy Kreme shop in College Station, Texas, to explode. Reports have mentioned that the ATF suspects arson and a hate crime, as they found chemicals that can make fires bigger and racist graffiti at the site. The ATF is in charge of handling explosions and fires like this, the bureau’s website said.
The College Station Fire Department mentioned that they approach scenes like this assuming it could be arson. The building was badly damaged when the firefighters got there, and they had to fight the fire from the outside because it was too dangerous to go inside. The ATF and College Station Police Department are both helping with the investigation, along with the fire department.
Story on this morning's fire at Krispy Kreme in College Station.
CS Fire Chief said first call reported an explosion. Building is a complete loss. No other buildings/businesses were affected:https://t.co/OZvFnoJaJD
— Alex Miller (@AlexMill20) May 13, 2024
Conservative opinion: It is concerning to see that businesses are being targeted in such violent ways. Arson and hate crimes have no place in our society and must be condemned. It is important to support law enforcement agencies as they work to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
The ATF has brought in 25 agents to assist with the investigation. The fire department’s fire marshals are collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and checking security camera footage. The College Station Police Department is also part of the inquiry. The scene of the fire will be secured as the investigation continues.
The Krispy Kreme officials expressed gratitude that nobody was in the shop when the fire started and for the fast response of the fire and police departments. This Krispy Kreme shop was the only one in College Station. In a separate incident in February 2021, a Krispy Kreme shop owned by Shaquille O’Neal in Atlanta was destroyed by a massive fire. The building’s front was saved, but the inside was severely damaged.
Conservative opinion: It is disheartening to see the loss of businesses due to criminal acts. Small businesses play a vital role in our communities, and it is distressing to see them targeted in such destructive ways. It is crucial that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.
