Texas arson suspect charged after threats left at El Paso church ahead of Charlie Kirk vigil

A Texas church arson investigation intensified with the arrest of Marynka Marquez, 35, of Denton, on arson charges in connection with a fire outside Beth El Bible Church in El Paso last Wednesday. Authorities say the blaze emerged as a vigil for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was planned at the church, and investigators allege the suspect arrived with threats aimed at intimidating attendees. The pastor spotted the fire as it began, promptly extinguishing it and helping to prevent injuries.

An arrest affidavit cited by KFOX14 describes how a bag was placed against the church exterior, set on fire, and left behind. Inside the bag, investigators found a paper plate with language targeting the Kirk vigil, including the messages "C Kirk is eating p— and s— in h—" and "Soon you’ll help him eat and drink it all," along with "C is a 4 coward, C is a 4 Conservative, C is 4 Control." The affidavit also notes a paper plate with those phrases and says the threat was intended to intimidate the gathering. Volunteers who encountered Marquez on the day of the incident escorted her to the front stage where a bag was left, and witnesses later told police the contents constituted a direct threat to the church and its planned event.

Investigators traced a business card left inside the bag to identify the suspect, leading to Marquez's arrest on Sept. 18. She was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $50,000 bond. The El Paso Police Department said there were no reported injuries from the fire and that the investigation remained active as authorities reviewed surveillance footage and additional tips. The Beth El Bible Church issued a statement saying it was disheartened by the circumstances but that it would cooperate with authorities and choose forgiveness, noting the church's commitment to protecting its facilities and its congregants.

Marquez's residence is listed as Denton, Texas, and authorities have not publicly linked her to other hate-related incidents. The church vigil for Charlie Kirk was scheduled to take place the following day, according to the police account and local reporting. In El Paso, church leaders and law enforcement emphasized the importance of public safety at religious gatherings and urged the community to report suspicious activity. The case adds to a broader national backdrop in which authorities have pursued charges in incidents involving threats directed at political figures or public events, reflecting ongoing concerns about safety at faith-based venues. As the investigation continues, officials may review whether hate-crimes statutes apply, though no additional charges were announced at this time.