A Catholic school community in Long Beach, California, is reeling after a brazen robbery left their chapel in disarray, sparking fears among parents that the incident may have been motivated by hate. Over the weekend, thieves vandalised the Holy Innocents Parish Catholic School, destroying sacred artefacts and causing significant damage, prompting an ongoing investigation by the authorities.
A Scene of Destruction
The attack unfolded when intruders broke into the school, shattering a statue of the Virgin Mary and damaging a tabernacle, which houses the Eucharistic host. Reports indicate that the assailants not only vandalised religious symbols but also wreaked havoc on educational materials and furniture. Upon police arrival on Monday morning, they were met with a scene of chaos: Bibles tossed about, furniture in ruins, and learning resources strewn across the floor.
Local parent Patricia Torres expressed her concern to CBS News, voicing fears that the school may have been specifically targeted due to its religious affiliation. “I need to know if there were any messages left on the walls,” she remarked. “We could be looking at a hate crime aimed at our specific Catholic setting.”
Damage Assessment and Community Response
Tony Tripp, the school’s director of advancement, detailed the extent of the destruction, particularly highlighting the methodical vandalism of the tabernacle. “They took the tabernacle out and tried to break it open,” Tripp explained. He noted that the statue of Mary, which has stood since the school’s inception in 1958, was thrown to the ground. The attackers also damaged various technological devices, including musical equipment essential for the school’s activities.
Despite the devastation, students like eleventh-grader Catherine Cruz are seeking to respond with compassion rather than anger. “Our message right now is truly prayer,” she stated. “Even though they did a terrible thing, we still want to pray for them because they are still created by God.”
Fundraising Efforts Underway
In light of the extensive damage, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the school in covering repair costs. As of 3rd February, the effort has raised over $60,000, with significant contributions from the community, including one donor who gave more than $10,000.
Meanwhile, authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the robbery. Forensic teams have combed the area for DNA evidence, and Principal Cruz confirmed that traces of blood were found within the chapel, which could potentially lead to identifying the suspects.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has also stepped in, launching an investigation into the incident. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon tweeted about the seriousness of the crime, affirming that they are taking the situation with utmost gravity.
Returning to Normalcy
Despite the shock and emotional toll on the school community, Principal Cruz has assured parents and students that operations are expected to resume by Wednesday. However, the lingering questions surrounding the motive behind the attack remain a source of distress for many in the community.
Why it Matters
This unsettling incident highlights the growing concerns around targeted hate crimes against religious institutions, particularly in a climate of heightened tension. The vandalism at Holy Innocents Parish is not merely an act of theft but a profound attack on the sanctity of faith and community values. As investigations proceed, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for solidarity against intolerance in all its forms.
