Arsonist repeatedly targets Fresno Armenian cemetery

Since January, the Armenian cemetery in Fresno, California, has been targeted by an arsonist; six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees.

On Friday night, eight trees were set on fire along the beautiful main entrance of the Fresno Ararat Armenian Cemetery, the only Armenian cemetery outside of the Republic of Armenia. Both Fresno Police and Fire have been called out to the Belmont and Hughes property, but no arrests have been made.

The cemetery’s Board is very concerned that all of the incidents are targeted hate crimes.

The cemetery is the burial place of many prominent Armenian figures, including Soghomon Tehlirian, William Saroyan, Victor Maghakian, and more.