Hateful Vandal Beheads Jesus Statue in Queens Church Rampage

Surveillance footage captures a suspect destroying a statue of Jesus at a Catholic church in Flushing, Queens, on June 30. The NYPD confirms the incident and is investigating it as a potential hate crime.

The tranquility of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in the Queens neighborhood of Fresh Meadows was shattered on Sunday, June 30, when an unknown vandal beheaded a statue of Jesus in a fit of rage. Surveillance footage shows the suspect repeatedly hitting the statue's head with a shoe before fleeing the scene.

The incident, which occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m., has left parishioners heartbroken and shocked. The statue, which depicted Jesus as a child surrounded by Mary and Joseph, had stood outside the church for over 42 years.

Hateful Vandal Beheads Jesus Statue in Queens Church Rampage

"The parishioners are devastated and shocked over this," the church said in a Facebook post. "This is a very unsettling incident, and those who attended Mass yesterday were shocked and horrified to find out this happened."

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed the incident and is investigating it as a potential hate crime. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is currently actively investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made at this time.

Hateful Vandal Beheads Jesus Statue in Queens Church Rampage

The Diocese of Brooklyn estimates that the damage inflicted on the statue will cost $20,000 to repair. The pastor of the church, Fr. Sean Suckiel, expressed his dismay over the incident.

"The Holy Family is the foundation of our faith community, and this statue holds special meaning to so many in our parish," Fr. Suckiel said. "We must pray for an increase in religious tolerance throughout our city."

Hateful Vandal Beheads Jesus Statue in Queens Church Rampage

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the community and beyond. Many have taken to social media to express their disgust and call for the vandal to be brought to justice.

"This is a despicable act of vandalism that should be condemned by all," said one Twitter user. "We need to stand up against hate and intolerance in all its forms."

Hateful Vandal Beheads Jesus Statue in Queens Church Rampage

The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They are actively investigating all leads and are committed to finding the perpetrator.

The destruction of the Jesus statue is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to religious freedom and the importance of tolerance and respect for all faiths.