Geauga County church vandalized by Molotov cocktails ahead of drag show event

GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - A Geauga County church with plans to host a drag show story hour in April was vandalized by Molotov cocktails this week.

The vandalization of the Community Church of Chesterland, located at 11984 Caves Rd., occurred during the evening of March 24, according to The Fairmount Group, the firm representing the church in organizing the event.

Element 41, a restaurant in Chardon, previously received threats after announcing a ‘Drag Brunch’ on April 1.

Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus previously said the department is working with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Department to prepare for the events.

Mallory McMaster, President of The Fairmount Group, confirmed the attack resulted in the destruction of the church’s sign and left “minimal damages” to the sign over the door.

Officials confirmed nobody was hurt during the incident as the church was unoccupied at the time.

Organizers say there’s been an uptick in threats after church announced plans to host drag show story hour.

McMaster said the church still plans to host the April 1 event but is raising funds for extra security measures.

19 News reached out to the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and Chester Township Police Department for more information on this ongoing investigation.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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