Madison County, AL, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Madison County authorities are investigating graffiti vandalism at Movement Church, which occurred shortly before a Turning Point USA event. Phrases targeting Bryan Dawson, CEO of 1819 News, were spray-painted on the church. The sheriff’s office is seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrators and maintain community safety. Local leaders condemned the act, pointing to the need for dialogue and respect within the community amidst rising concerns about extremist ideologies.
Madison County authorities are seeking public assistance following an act of vandalism at Movement Church on Brown’s Ferry Road. On October 8, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of graffiti that included phrases such as “Bryan Dawson serves the Antichrist” and “Beware his falsehoods.” This vandalism incident occurred a mere few days before a planned event by Turning Point USA at the church, adding a layer of controversy to the situation.
Senior Pastor Seth Adgate discovered the graffiti after dropping off his son at football practice. According to reports, the vandalism was believed to have occurred between 5:00 p.m. on October 7 and 8:00 a.m. on October 8. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the matter and is asking for the community’s help in identifying those responsible for the damage.
Bryan Dawson, mentioned in the graffiti, is the CEO of 1819 News, which focuses on Alabama-centric conservative news coverage. Dawson is also scheduled to speak at the upcoming Turning Point Faith event on Thursday evening, making the timing of the vandalism particularly alarming. In response to the incident, Sheriff Kevin Turner condemned the act, stating that such intimidation has no place in Madison County.
Pastor Adgate expressed disappointment over the incident, remarking on how misguided ideologies can negatively impact the community in North Alabama. However, he noted that he harbors no resentment towards the perpetrator and suggested they might be influenced by a flawed ideology. Lucas Miles, the senior director of TPUSA Faith, also condemned the vandalism, calling it cowardly and contrary to the spirit of Christ. He emphasized support for both Pastor Adgate and the congregation, reaffirming their commitment to promoting truth, faith, and freedom amidst the challenges posed by such acts.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information regarding the vandalism or those responsible to contact them at 256-533-8820 or 256-722-7181. Additionally, the authorities are currently seeking three individuals: Grayson Birge for burglary, Gregory Ellison for shoplifting over $2,700 from Walmart, and Whitney Gonzalez for meth possession. This ongoing investigation underscores the sheriff’s commitment to maintaining safety within the community and addressing any threats to local places of worship.
Key Details
- Date of incident: October 8
- Location: Movement Church, Brown’s Ferry Road
- Names in graffiti: Bryan Dawson
- Investigation: Active, with public assistance sought
- Contact Numbers for tips: 256-533-8820 or 256-722-7181
- Upcoming event: Turning Point Faith event on Thursday evening
Background Context
The vandalism at Movement Church has raised significant concern about the potential influence of extremist ideologies in the area. Bryan Dawson’s scheduled appearance at the upcoming Turning Point USA event has made the situation more contentious. With community leaders and law enforcement speaking out against the vandalism, there is a collective effort to discourage such actions and promote peace and dialogue within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What incident occurred at Movement Church?
- On October 8, Madison County sheriff’s deputies responded to vandalism at Movement Church, where phrases including “Bryan Dawson serves the Antichrist” were spray-painted on the building.
- When did the vandalism take place?
- The vandalism was reported to have occurred between 5:00 p.m. on October 7 and 8:00 a.m. on October 8.
- Who is Bryan Dawson?
- Bryan Dawson is the CEO of 1819 News, an Alabama-focused conservative news site, and is scheduled to speak at a Turning Point USA event on Thursday evening.
- How can the public help in the investigation?
- The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to call 256-533-8820 or 256-722-7181.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Area Crimestoppers Searching for Church Vandals
- AL.com: Alabama Church Vandalized Before Turning Point USA Event
- WHNT: Church Vandalized Ahead of TPUSA Event
- 256 Today: Madison County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Assistance
- Wikipedia: Vandalism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vandalism
- Google Search: Church Vandalism 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
