A person dressed in all black was recorded vandalizing the sign of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on Sunday. The incident, which occurred about 17 miles north of Minneapolis, was captured on video and posted to social media.
In the footage, the individual, wearing a long, flowing bottom garment, is seen striking the church's sign with a bat. After the act, the person is heard exclaiming, "Fk that st," before fleeing the scene. The exact date of the recording is unclear, and it remains unknown if any arrests have been made in connection with this specific incident.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Brooklyn Park Police, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and the mayor's office for comment.
The vandalism has prompted a strong reaction on social media, with users expressing outrage and concern. Some comments drew parallels to other religious site incidents and called for action against what they described as "evil."
This event follows a separate incident early Saturday morning where the Minneapolis Police Department arrested seven people for allegedly burglarizing the Basilica of St. Mary. A security company alerted police to the break-in at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday. The Basilica is currently closed for renovations.
Police apprehended three adults and four minors, who face charges including burglary, fleeing police on foot, and trespassing. The Hennepin County Jail booked the adults, while the minors were processed by the juvenile unit. The investigation into the Basilica incident is being led by the juvenile unit.
Father Ralph Talbot, the Pastor and Rector at the Basilica of Saint Mary, confirmed the church is cooperating with investigators and expressed gratitude for the swift resolution and community support.
It is not yet clear if the vandalism at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the burglary at the Basilica of St. Mary are connected. The Minneapolis Police Department and the Basilica of St. Mary have also been contacted for comment regarding these incidents.