St. Paul's School vandalism considered a hate crime, Covington police say
(Gallery by Naomi Martin, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
By on April 27, 2013
Covington police are searching for suspects wanted in a school vandalism incident they are calling a hate crime. Officials arrived at St. Paul's School at 8 a.m. Saturday to find swastikas and the words "Hitler" and "Hail Satan 666" spray-painted on the bell tower, chapel and religious statues, Covington Police Capt. Jack West said in a news release.
"We pray for those who are so filled with hate that they must senselessly destroy,'' the school's principal, Brother Ray Bulliard, said in a statement. "May God convert their hearts with his love.''
Police said about 40 different locations on the school campus at 917 S. Jahncke Ave. were vandalized. The vandals defaced other sites on the campus with Stars of David, obscene pictures and splashes of spray paint and latex house paint, police said. Preliminary estimates put the cost of the damage at $2,000.
Bulliard put out a call to the community for help shortly after he discovered the vandalism. Around 60 students, parents, alumni and neighbors responded, and by 2 p.m. all signs of the crime had been removed, according to officials.
"What is particularly disturbing is the nature of the graffiti: anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, pro-satanic and obscene,'' Bulliard said. "The police have said it qualifies as a 'hate crime.'"
Bulliard thanked the school community and the police for their work, and said the school will be open on Monday.
The Covington police are asking for assistance from the public in identifying the vandals. Anyone with information is asked to call the Covington Police Department at 985.892.8500. They can also call Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111 or toll-free at 877.903.7867. Callers can receive a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
"We pray for those who are so filled with hate that they must senselessly destroy,'' the school's principal, Brother Ray Bulliard, said in a statement. "May God convert their hearts with his love.''
Police said about 40 different locations on the school campus at 917 S. Jahncke Ave. were vandalized. The vandals defaced other sites on the campus with Stars of David, obscene pictures and splashes of spray paint and latex house paint, police said. Preliminary estimates put the cost of the damage at $2,000.
Bulliard put out a call to the community for help shortly after he discovered the vandalism. Around 60 students, parents, alumni and neighbors responded, and by 2 p.m. all signs of the crime had been removed, according to officials.
"What is particularly disturbing is the nature of the graffiti: anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, pro-satanic and obscene,'' Bulliard said. "The police have said it qualifies as a 'hate crime.'"
Bulliard thanked the school community and the police for their work, and said the school will be open on Monday.
The Covington police are asking for assistance from the public in identifying the vandals. Anyone with information is asked to call the Covington Police Department at 985.892.8500. They can also call Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111 or toll-free at 877.903.7867. Callers can receive a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
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