‘Truly an act of hatred’: Brooklyn Catholic church sees crucifix toppled, American flag burned

NYPD is investigating attack as a “hate crime.”

Published: May 15, 2021 8:55am

Updated: May 15, 2021 9:01am

New York police are investigating what they claim is a potential “hate crime” after a Catholic church in Brooklyn saw a large crucifix toppled and an American flag burned earlier this week.

The Diocese of Brooklyn said in a statement that a statute of the Crucifixtion of Jesus “was found toppled over and lying face down” at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst on Friday morning. 

“The statue of Jesus, the cross, and the display were all damaged in what is being investigated by the NYPD as a hate crime,” the Diocese said. 

An American flag was also reportedly burned outside the church. 

The crucifix was installed at the parish in 2010. 

“This was truly an act of hatred and today is the saddest day of my twenty years here at this parish,” the parish’s pastor, Monsignor David Cassato, said in the statement.

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News