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Greater New Life Church
A Warren man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to defacing a predominantly Black church in Roseville in October 2021 by spray painting swastikas, the word "die" and other offensive graffiti.
Authorities said David Bluer, 34, admitted targeting the Greater New Life Church on Blair Street, near Masonic Boulevard and Gratiot Avenue, because it serves Black people and has a Black pastor.
He faces a maximum of one year in prison when sentenced on March 19.
“Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message that our office will aggressively protect our district’s houses of worship, including against attacks motivated by race and color,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said in a statement.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, head of the Detroit FBI, said in a statement:
"This targeted criminal act, coupled with Mr. Bluer's admission of harboring hatred based on race and ethnicity, highlights the FBI's dedication to safeguarding faith-based communities in Michigan."
