Georgetown investigates vandalism of crucifix and Mary statue as ‘potential hate crimes’

Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. / Credit: Rob Crandall, Shutterstock

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 6, 2024 / 13:15 pm (CNA).

The Georgetown University Police Department is investigating two “potential hate crimes” after a processional crucifix was found damaged inside the university’s chapel and a statue of the Blessed Mother was found to be displaced and on the ground.

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

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

Georgetown University, established in 1789 and located in Washington, D.C., is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States.

According to the letter, Georgetown University police received a report on Friday, Aug. 30, that the large processional crucifix in the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart was “inappropriately moved and sustained damage after being placed against the door.” Later that morning, staff found that “the statue of the Blessed Mother by the Heyden Observatory and Gardens was displaced and on the ground.”

The university does not know the identity or “motivation of the person or persons responsible,” according to the letter, and does not know whether anyone involved is associated with the university.

After reviewing video surveillance, the police department identified “a light-complexioned male wearing a dark-colored hoodie and dark-colored pants entering Dahlgren Chapel around 11:40 p.m.” the night before, the letter states. However, it adds that the university does not know whether “these incidents are related.” Police are investigating whether “these incidents are related to other reported irregularities at these sites in recent weeks,” the letter said.

When reached by CNA to ask whether there have been any updates to the investigation, a spokesperson for the university referred CNA back to the original letter. The Georgetown University Police Department referred CNA to the university’s communications office.

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia 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 read. “In this sacred space, generations of students, faculty, staff, and alumni have attended Mass, exchanged sacred vows at weddings, found reconciliation in confessions, were baptized into the faith, or simply reflected in a quiet moment to re-center their lives.”

According to the letter, all services at the Dahlgren Chapel would continue as normal and police are increasing patrols of religious spaces on campus. The letter also asks anyone who can assist in the investigation to contact the Georgetown police through the phone at 202-687-4343 or through email at police@georgetown.edu.

This is a developing story.