Jason Stokes told authorities that he was the victim of a racial attack after his house was set on fire. Stokes, a firefighter in Endicott, New York, claimed that he was a victim of an arson.
According to WBNG, Stokes told police that he was a victim of an arson because of a sign that hung outside his home which read, “Blue Lives Matter.” The “Blue Lives Matter” slogan was created by police officers in response to “Black Lives Matter.” Although the slogan’s creators claimed to desire to bring attention to police officers who serve, the slogan fomented a racial divide between cops and Black citizens.
Inside Stokes’ home, the words “Lie with pigs, fry like bacon” were sprayed on the wall. The slogan was reportedly used during a Black Lives Matter protest in Minnesota in 2015, but it was never confirmed that an official member of Black Lives Matter actually said the slogan. It was most likely used by an outside agitator of the movement.
Stokes and other pro-police websites blamed the arson at Stokes’ home on Black Lives Matter. However, when authorities did a further investigation, it became evident that Stokes set his own home on fire in an attempt to blame Black Lives Matter.
Along with the spray painted walls, Stokes set up several gas cans inside his home to set a booby-trap. Stokes and his family were able to escape the fire unharmed.
Stokes serves as another example of how small instances of racism can have a major impact. Along with the possible arrest of innocent Black people, the fire could have helped to tarnish the overall image of Black Lives Matter. The organization has been attacked by racists such as Tomi Lahren, who have ignorantly asserted that Black Lives Matter is the new KKK. Racists want to discredit the new-age civil rights organization that brings attention to police brutality and injustice against Blacks.
Stokes has since been arrested and charged with arson. He’s currently free on a $10,000 bond.
