This photo provided by U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division shows special agents from the ATF New Orleans Field Division investigate a fire at the Senatobia Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Senatobia, Miss. (ATF New Orleans Field Division via AP)
- ATF is now heading up the investigation to determine potential suspects.
Federal agents are investigating a suspected arson attempt at the Senatobia Police Department that occurred the morning of Halloween.
A statement from the department shared on social media indicated the fire occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on October 31.
The department alerted the public that while the fire did cause damage to the building, the agency continues to provide services.
“Public safety remains unaffected, and our officers remain committed to serving and protecting the community. We will share updates as more information becomes available,” the police department stated. “We want to thank the Senatobia Fire Department and the Tate County Sheriff’s Office for their response, support, and assistance during this incident.”
An investigation to identify a suspect is being headed up by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Further details are being withheld as the investigation continues, but the department is asking community members to share any information they may have that could lead to a suspect and arrest.
“We strongly encourage anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in or around the Senatobia Police Department before or during the incident, or anyone who may possess information, photographs, or video footage that could assist investigators, to come forward,” a statement from Interim Chief of Police LaMorris Hampton requested.
A social media post by the City of Senatobia Fire Department stated that firefighters were dispatched to the police department just before 5:00 a.m. “for smoke in the building.”
The Senatobia Police Department has recently come under national scrutiny after officers were involved in the shooting death of a 1-year-old child back in June. Officers who were inside the local Walmart chased two suspects to a vehicle while responding to a shoplifting incident.
After getting in the vehicles and reversing the car out of the parking spot, one suspect sped the vehicle in the direction of officers, video released by the Attorney General showed. After one officer was nearly struck by the vehicle, three gun shots were discharged into the vehicle, one of which struck the child.
A review of the incident by the Attorney General’s Office determined the use of force by the officer was justified, the office announced last month. That review occurred subsequent to an investigation of the incident by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the AG’s office said on October 19.
