DES MOINES – A fire that destroyed a makeshift memorial for Black children in Iowa City Hall was being investigated by firefighters as “suspicious.”

Des Moines Black Liberation Movement memorial, which was created last summer, was set on fire by the Des Moines Fire Department early Wednesday. It was dedicated to Black Iowa youths who have lost their lives in recent years.

The memorial was placed at the entry to the former North Des Moines City Hall, a 132-year-old building that has been empty for many years. North Des Moines was once a city of its own, but it is now part Des Moines.

Also Read: Board Members: Five Empowering Cybersecurity Question to Ask CISOs

This memorial is decorated with flowers, candles and signs. It has been the site of many marches and vigils. Around 100 people marched from a Park to the Memorial on June 12th to remember the lives of Black and transgender children and women in Iowa.

Des Moines Black Liberation Movement stated that it was heartbroken and believed the fire had been intentionally lit.

“It’s hard to believe that this wasn’t done intentionally against us and Black children and women we’ve honored there,” organizers of the group wrote in an online statement.

Des Moines police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek, Des Moines police spokesperson, said that investigators are also investigating whether candles might have set off the fire. Witnesses reported candles being lit at the memorial. Parizek added that witnesses “also reported two homeless individuals arguing in front the building moments before it caught fire.”

Also Read: Managing Joe Manchin: Chuck Schumer’s Struggle to Keep Democrats United