Previous coverage in video player: Eric Lidener is indicted federally.U.S. prosecutors say details will be announced at a later date.
Eric Lidener, who was charged with setting fire to two historic churches in Douglas, Arizona in May, is scheduled to appear in federal court on Thursday, May 15.
A detention motion filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office describes Lidener as “a danger to the community,” and his motive for allegedly setting fire to the First Presbyterian Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is that he I’m speculating that it might have something to do with the fact that he publicly committed a crime. He voiced his disapproval of women in leadership positions in churches and members of the LGBTQ community.
Neighbors said Lidenour “was dissatisfied with the church’s view of worship because he believed women should not preach or lead prayers,” according to the documents.
Ridenor was also openly working to establish his own church on the Douglas property. Another neighbor was quoted in court documents, saying Lidenor “didn’t like gays, didn’t like politicians, didn’t like women leading the church in general.” The pastor of one of the burnt churches is a woman, and the other church is a professed homosexual.
Pastors from both burned churches said they were concerned about the safety of members of the Douglas community should Leidener be released through legal means under the Victims of Crime Act.
“…victim pastors of both churches said their parishioners feared further danger to their communities by the defendant, feared their congregation, and were warned by other faith leaders in and around Douglas. “They are also terrified of their churches and parishioners. Pastors and other faith leaders fear retaliation if the defendants are released.” A border town in southeastern Arizona is a small community and church leaders are easily recognizable.”
—Government Retention Motion, p. 4
The document also cites pre-trial service reports, where Ridenour states:
- Have a criminal record of misdemeanor misdemeanor related to domestic violence
- have previously violated a confidentiality order
- Man accused of vandalizing ex-girlfriend’s car
- Blackmailed ex-wife’s fiancé over child custody agreement
KGUN 9 has reached out to lawyers for comment and plans to broadcast live after Lidenor’s appearance in court today.
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