Georgetown Investigates Crucifix, Statue of Mary Vandalism as ‘Potential Hate Crimes’ – Catholic World Report

Washington, DC Newsroom, Sep 6, 2024 / 1:15 pm (CNA).

Georgetown University police are investigating two “possible hate crimes” after a processional crucifix was found damaged in the university chapel and a statue of the Virgin Mary was found displaced on the ground.

“We are currently investigating them as possible hate crimes,” Vice President for Mission and Ministry Father Mark Bosco and Associate Vice President for Public Safety Jay Gruber wrote in a jointly signed letter sent to Georgetown staff and students.

“Anti-Catholic acts and desecration of religious symbols are deeply disturbing, hurtful, and offensive,” the letter reads. “Acts of vandalism, particularly of sacred spaces, have no place in our campus community.”

Founded in 1789 and located in Washington DC, Georgetown University is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States.

According to the letter, on Friday, August 30, Georgetown University police received a report that the large processional crucifix in the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart “had been improperly moved and damaged after being placed against the door.” Later that morning, staff discovered that “the statue of the Blessed Mother at the Heyden Observatory and Gardens had been moved and was lying on the ground.”

The university does not know the identity or “motivation of the person or persons responsible,” the letter said, nor does it know whether there are any people involved who have ties to the university.

After reviewing video surveillance, the police department identified “a light-skinned male wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants who entered Dahlgren Chapel the night before at approximately 11:40 p.m.,” the letter said. However, it also said the university does not know whether “these incidents are related.” Police are investigating whether “these incidents are related to other reported irregularities at these locations in recent weeks,” the letter said.

When asked by CNA if there were any updates to the investigation, a university spokesperson referred CNA back to the original letter. The Georgetown University Police Department referred CNA to the university’s communications office.

The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Dahlgren Chapel provides a spiritual home for our Catholic community and a welcoming place for reflection and prayer for all members of our community,” the letter reads. “In this sacred space, generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni have attended Mass, exchanged sacred vows at weddings, found reconciliation in confession, been baptized into the faith or simply reflected in a quiet moment to re-center their lives.”

According to the letter, all services at Dahlgren Chapel will continue as normal, and police are increasing patrols of religious spaces on campus. The letter also asks anyone who can assist with the investigation to contact Georgetown police by phone at 202-687-4343 or by email at [email protected].

This is a developing story.