Race relations have come a long way over the last century but more now than ever, it seems as if we're reminded often of how far they still have to go with the most recent reminder happening in Gainesville, Georgia.

A 16-year old caucasian teenage girl in Gainesville was arrested on November 15th after classmates discovered a potential attack by the girl on a church that was primarily attended by African Americans. The white teen was found in possession of a notebook with plans to murder church members at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, also located in Gainesville. The students who discovered the plot reported it to a school counselor and the school's administration then reported the potential crime to the police once they were able to confirm that it was indeed a threat. She has since been charged with criminal attempt to commit murder and police report that she is currently being held at the Regional Youth Detention Center.

The authorities notified the church at once to ensure that the members of the congregation were safe in the event that there were other people involved in the plot. A bishop of the church, Reginald Jackson, believes that the teen girl was inspired by Dylan Roof, who actually carried out successfully a similar plot 4 years ago at another AME church in Charleston, South Carolina. In an interview with reporters, he's quoted as saying "Idealizing him and sharing the same ideology, she plotted to accomplish the same at Bethel church in Gainesville.

This incident raises very serious issues and also raises questions that need to be answered." Bishop Jackson also sought to figure out why this type of church was a prime target for race crimes and made sure to speak with other leaders in AME churches to help determine the reasoning as well as put proper safety measures in place for when plots like this are discovered too late.