Federal authorities are investigating a disturbing act of vandalism at a Western Pennsylvania church, where vandals defaced religious symbols with anti-Catholic and antisemitic graffiti.
The incident, believed to have occurred between July 8 and 9, targeted a statue of the Virgin Mary, a founder’s plaque on the bell tower, and a convent door.
Parishioners say they are heartbroken. “For the life of me, I can’t wrap my head around it,” said longtime member Mark Fortunato, reports KDKA News.
“Church, synagogue, mosque — none of it’s acceptable.”
Local police turned the case over to the FBI. While officials have not publicly confirmed an investigation, the Diocese of Pittsburgh said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Bishop Mark Eckman condemned the vandalism, calling it “hateful” and deeply wounding to the entire diocesan community. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and CAIR-Pittsburgh also expressed outrage and solidarity.
This attack comes amid a separate FBI investigation into similar acts of vandalism at a Catholic parish building in Olmitz, Kansas, where swastikas and Nazi slogans were found. In that case, three juvenile suspects have been identified.
Religious leaders and community advocates have urged vigilance and unity in response to rising incidents of hate.
The Pittsburgh area is particularly sensitive to this type of hate as it was the scene of the nation’s deadliest anti-semitic violence in history.
In October 2018, a right-wing extremist opened fire at the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, killing 11 worshippers and injuring six.
The gunman, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, had posted antisemitic messages on a fringe social platform.
Bowers was shot by police, arrested at the scene, and later convicted on all 63 federal charges. In 2023, he was sentenced to death.
