I've checked out a rumour that Leo Henry's house was torched early yesterday morning. The incident was confirmed by a source in the community, as well as in a Buffalo newspaper article.

According to the article, Mr. Henry, a chief of the Tuscarora Nation, was not home at the time that two molotov cocktails apparently ignited the blaze, causing extensive damage.

The house was not unoccupied, however. An unidentified house-sitter managed to escape unharmed. She called 911 and was taken to local hospital for examination.

A benefit dinner is being held, on Monday April 28, 1997, for Mr. Henry and his family.

[SISIS note: we have requested more information on this and will post more as soon as possible.]

Date: Sat, 26 Apr 1997 07:25:11 (EDT)
From: Allen Gabriel
To: sovernet-L

Roiane Leo Henry came home to Tuscarora last night to find his people had begun the process of rebuilding his house, which had been firebombed early Thursday morning.

Citizens of the Tuscarora Nation rallied around their chief and were busy stripping damaged materials and preparing for the extensive renovation work that will be needed.

But there is only so much they can do. While they can rebuild the structure of the house, they can't replace the items of sentimental value that were destroyed.

A source close to the chief, who asked to remain anonymous said, "The people have chosen to focus their energies and emotions on rebuilding rather than on seeking revenge for this cowardly attack on a man in his late 60's."

"By coming together in this way, the people are rejecting violence as a way of life. It was heartwarming to see the men, women and children who turned out and were working hard to clean things up for their chief's arrival last night," added the source.

There will be a spaghetti dinner, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday April 28, 1997 at the Old Gym -- 2006 Mt. Hope Road, Tuscarora (via Lewiston, NY 14092), for the benefit of the Henry family.

Contributions, cards, etc., can be sent to:

Leo Henry Benefit
c/o Ray Henry
1387 Upper Mt. Road
Tuscarora Nation
via Lewiston, NY 14092
Tel: (716) 297-4907
Fax: (716) 297-9528