NEW YORK, NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned two recent acts of vandalism at Catholic churches in Queens, as police investigate the incidents as possible hate crimes.
The New York Police Department said the first incident occurred March 14 at St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church, where a statue of the Virgin Mary was damaged. A second incident took place March 21 at St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Church, where a statue of St. Francis of Assisi was spray-painted blue and the word “PAGAN” was written nearby.
Mamdani said the reports were “deeply troubling” and emphasized that residents should be able to practice their faith without fear. He also expressed solidarity with the affected congregations as they recover from the incidents.
Authorities said no arrests have been made, and the cases remain under investigation by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force.
The incidents occurred shortly before Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, a significant period for Catholic communities. Officials have not released details about potential suspects as the investigation continues.
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