Catholic Holy Innocents School in Long Beach, CA, Desecrated and Destroyed with Decapitated Statues of the Virgin Mary, Tabernacle Thrown to the Ground, and DOJ Opens Investigation for Possible Attack on Religious Freedom
In an unprecedented act of vandalism that has shocked the Catholic community and drawn national attention, Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach was subjected to deliberate desecration and massive destruction of religious objects overnight from Sunday to Monday.
School and police authorities reported that statues of the Virgin Mary were decapitated, the tabernacle was ripped from the altar and thrown to the ground, and other sacred objects were destroyed. According to school staff, this is one of the most severe attacks they can remember in decades.
The incident was discovered around 7:20 a.m. when cleaning staff and early-arriving employees arrived at the school and found classrooms in disarray, doors forced open, and religious symbols destroyed.
“The deepest damage was in our chapel. Seeing our tabernacle toppled and sacred images broken is a blow to the heart of our community,” said Tony Tripp, the school’s Development Director.
Local authorities confirmed that an investigation has been launched and that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has already intervened to evaluate the attack as a possible hate crime targeting religious freedom.
Fingerprints, shoe prints, and forensic samples were collected to identify those responsible. So far, no arrests have been made, and no descriptions of suspects have been released.
In addition to religious objects, vandals overturned furniture, destroyed audiovisual equipment, and scattered Bibles and prayer books throughout the classrooms. Estimated damages reach tens of thousands of dollars, with some pieces considered invaluable due to their historical and spiritual significance.
The school community reacted with sadness, concern, and prayer. Parents, students, and teachers participated in vigils and moments of reflection, seeking protection and comfort.
Security experts note that attacks on religious institutions have increased in several U.S. cities, driven by ideologies aimed at undermining authority, tradition, and family values.
The attack on Holy Innocents highlights the impact of moral decay promoted by leftist sectors: disdain for faith, erosion of legitimate authority, and weakening of family cohesion.
Defending religious freedom, the family, and tradition is more urgent than ever. Impunity in the face of these attacks allows cultural violence to continue, affecting safety, education, and community life.
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