Hate graffiti, defaced statue found at historic NYC church: police

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Hate graffiti was scrawled on a wall, and a statue was defaced at a historic Catholic church in Manhattan, police said.

A church member made the disturbing discovery on Sunday afternoon at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine on Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights.

The vandals wrote explicit words and strange markings on a wall facing the front yard of the church and spray-painted the face and body of a statue of Cabrini.

“People were sad because I’m always sad when someone defaces part of your life,” said Julia Attaway, the executive director of the church.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident as a hate crime. Sources said police are looking for surveillance cameras in hopes of finding those responsible.

Within 24 hours, the church was able to clean up the damages. On Tuesday afternoon, Monsignor Robert Ritchie blessed the statue.

Attaway said the church offers prayers, love and peace to those responsible.

“Dark things will happen. We don’t let them in our hearts,” said Attaway.

PIX11 News spent time hearing about the history of the church. St. Frances Cabrini, mother of immigrants, helped those in need, and that is still true at the church now.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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