Possible arson, hate crime being investigated in De Kalb

A structure at an outdoor rodeo in De Kalb, Texas burned to the ground early Tuesday morning (May 23), and figurines were hung by ropes on the nearby announcer’s stand.

Some residents in the area say someone is trying to stop their Juneteenth celebration, and they want to know who.

“I don’t know what to be done, but something needs to be done,” said Robert Weary, a concerned citizen.

Mayor Lowell Walker says the fire department responded to the scene at 12:35 a.m. Tuesday and put the fire out. He says the fire took place at an outdoor rodeo arena at the snack bar, which burned to the ground.

Mayor Walker says two figurines were found hanging from the announcing booth, which is on the other side of the arena. He contacted the FBI to ask them to investigate. Because of the effigies, he told them he suspected it was a hate crime.

Read more: KSLA (Shreveport)