‘Face of evil’: Catholic Church named after St. Patrick vandalized with Satanic message

Federal and native authorities are investigating a doable hate crime after a Catholic Church named after St. Patrick was found with “in depth vandalism,” together with a Satanic message in Wichita, Kansas.

Police arrested a 23-year-old man in relation to the case, however authorities are persevering with their investigation.

The harm included the beheading of a statue of St. Patrick, the breaking of candles and home windows, and the burning of an American flag. The vandalism additionally included a Satanic web site being scrawled onto the Church’s wall, based on a press release by the Catholic Convention of Kansas.

The Catholic convention responded to the incident by saying, “That is the face of evil.”

The convention stated the web site is identical sort of group that shall be holding a Satanic worship ritual on the Kansas State Capitol on March 28.

Church members couldn’t maintain providers on Saturday because of the assault, the convention stated in a submit that included footage of the harm.

“That is the hate crime scene at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita. After forcing their manner inside, statues have been destroyed, glass smashed and different in depth harm exacted upon this sacred house,” stated the convention.

The Wichita Police Division additionally launched a press release during which it stated it’s working with federal legislation enforcement to launch a “full-scale investigation.”

In accordance with the assertion, police arrested a suspect in reference to the assault, a 23-year-old man from Saline County, at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday. Native outlet Salina Put up recognized the person as Michael Angel Gonzalez, citing Sedgwick County reserving information.

The person was arrested with out incident and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on fees of Housebreaking, Felony Desecration, and Felony Harm to Property. The police stated the case shall be introduced to the Sedgwick County district lawyer and federal prosecutors for formal charging concerns.

Talking on the scene, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan referred to as the assault “disgusting,” based on native outlet KSNW.  

“It doesn’t matter what denomination. Individuals ought to really feel secure there, and they need to really feel that it’s a spot that will be revered,” he stated.

Sullivan stated, “this reprehensible act of vandalism won’t be tolerated.”

Regardless of the assault, Sullivan posted on Sunday that the church congregation – which is predominantly Hispanic – held a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“This afternoon, I attended the St. Patrick Catholic Church St. Paddy’s Day parade, the place the congregation and the neighborhood got here collectively in celebration,” he stated. “Their resilience was evident, particularly after the heartbreaking housebreaking and vandalism that occurred yesterday.”

He added, “It was much more significant to know that the suspect accountable for this horrible act was taken into custody earlier than dawn, because of the swift and devoted work of WPD officers. Nice job to our staff for getting him off the streets and behind bars!”