A New York man accused of vandalizing the American Martyrs Parish in Oakland Gardens, NY is facing multiple charges including a hate crimes violation, according to a report from the Times Leger. The vandalism happened on Feb. 23.
A church member says the vandalism was caught on security camera.
An Oregon church congregation is making plans to re-open its church building after vandals heavily damaged the facility. A report from KXL Radio says over $50,000 in damage was done by the anonymous attackers. The vandal’s motive remains unknown.
Church spokesperson Jonathan Russell said the church has been meeting in homes and other borrowed facilities since the damage was discovered on Feb. 10. Â A report from KGW television the church has insurance and plans to resume using the building on Sat. March 2.
A spokesperson for the Silverton Police Department said anyone with information about the vandalism should call the department at 503-873-5326.
A man accused of 20 felony counts including vandalism of religious property and three counts of arson pleaded not guilty this week in a California courtroom.
Christian Michael Garcia was arrested in connection with a series of arsons targeting Southland California houses of worship according to a report from the Highland Park Patch.  The paper said the criminal complaint also includes hate crime allegations.
The most recent fire in which Garcia has been charged is a blaze that happened Jan. 25 at the Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights, California. The Los Angeles Times reports that firefighters were able to prevent fire from spreading to the sanctuary.
According to jail records, Garcia remains held on bonds totaling $750,000.
Vandals spray painted “Satanic symbols” and derogatory comments about Billy Graham on at least two church buildings in Greenville County, South Carolina over the weekend. A report from WYFF says the vandals spray painted messages including, “To hell with Billy Graham. We venerate Satan.” Rev. Billy Graham passed away last week.
At least three other churches in the same area have had vandalism since Jan. 27, according to a report from WSPA TV 7. The vandals have managed to avoid surveillance cameras. Evidence was gathered at one location, but details have not been released.
Officials in Greenville County say it is believed the damage was done sometime between 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday. A sheriff’s office spokesperson said as of Monday there are no suspects in the case. Officials have not determined a motivation. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME.
Leaders in The Islamic State are urging Muslims to kidnap and murder Christians according to a report published by Newsweek. The report says ISIS claims Russia has religious reasons for occupying areas in the Caucasus and Central Asia. The call for killing Christians comes days after ISIS claimed credit for a deadly attack on a church in the Russian region of Dagestan, according to a report in The New York Times.
A BBC report on the church attack says five women were killed in the church shooting. Five others, including a police officer and a national guardsmen were injured.
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