The New York City Police Department is investigating the destruction of a Virgin Mary statue outside St. Rita Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City as a possible hate crime. Surveillance footage shows a masked man entering the church courtyard early Aug. 1 and repeatedly striking the statue with a hammer. Church officials said the incident was the fourth reported act of vandalism targeting the Queens parish since 2024. No arrests had been made as of the latest update.

The video, released by the Diocese of Brooklyn, shows the suspect climbing over a fence before attacking the statue and leaving the area. Earlier incidents at the parish included damage to religious artwork, a stained-glass window and church property.

Early-morning attack captured on surveillance video

The incident occurred at approximately 1:42 a.m. on Aug. 1 at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church in Long Island City, Queens. According to the surveillance footage, a masked man wearing a dark T-shirt and shorts climbed over a fence into a courtyard where a statue of the Blessed Mother stood. He removed a hammer from his pocket and struck the statue several times before knocking it from its pedestal. The man then climbed back over the fence and walked away.

Police examine possible hate-crime motive

The NYPD is investigating the destruction as a possible hate crime. The classification indicates that investigators are examining whether hostility toward the Catholic faith or another protected characteristic may have motivated the act. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect, announced a motive or confirmed that the incident will ultimately be charged as a hate crime.

The investigation remains focused on the church property, the surveillance recording and any information that could help identify the person shown in the video. The Diocese of Brooklyn said no arrests had been made in connection with the vandalism.

Church reports repeated vandalism since 2024

Church officials described the statue attack as the fourth reported vandalism incident at the parish since 2024. Previous acts included the destruction of a 60-year-old stained-glass window and graffiti on a statue of St. Francis of Assisi and the surrounding sidewalk. Damage was also reported to a statue of St. Jude inside the church.

The repeated incidents have made the latest attack part of a broader pattern for the parish rather than an isolated property-damage complaint. The church and the diocese released the video to document what happened and draw attention to the ongoing investigation.

Suspect description and investigation status

The footage shows a person whose face is obscured by a mask, limiting the identifying information currently available to investigators. The visible clothing includes a dark shirt and shorts, and the video records the person carrying and using a hammer during the attack.

Police have not announced an arrest, charges or a confirmed identity. The available account establishes the timing, location and sequence of the incident, but it does not establish why the statue was targeted. Any determination about intent will depend on the police investigation and additional evidence.

Local hate-crime figures provide wider context

The reported vandalism comes as New York City officials have released broader crime data showing an increase in hate crimes. John Quaglione, deputy press secretary for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, said hate crimes recorded by the NYPD rose 9.4% during the first seven months of the year compared with the same period a year earlier.

That citywide figure does not determine the motive in the Queens case, and investigators have not said whether the attack is connected to any other incident. It does, however, provide context for why the possible hate-crime designation is being examined closely by police and church officials.

Summary

The attack at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church remains under investigation, with police assessing whether the destruction was motivated by religious bias. Surveillance footage provides a record of the incident, but the suspect’s identity and motive remain unknown. The case follows three other reported acts of vandalism at the parish since 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at the Queens church?

A masked man allegedly climbed into a courtyard at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church and repeatedly struck a Virgin Mary statue with a hammer before knocking it from its pedestal.

When did the incident occur?

The Diocese of Brooklyn said the attack occurred at approximately 1:42 a.m. on Aug. 1.

Has anyone been arrested?

No arrests had been made in connection with the incident as of the latest update.

Why is the case being investigated as a possible hate crime?

Police are examining whether hostility toward the Catholic faith or another protected characteristic may have motivated the vandalism. No motive has been confirmed.

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On Saturday, a tragic incident in Queens unfolded when a 16-year-old girl was killed by a drunk driver, identified as a previously deported illegal immigrant with multiple DUI arrests. The suspect, Edwin Cruz Gomez, was charged with several offenses including murder after this heinous act. Reports indicate that Gomez, after allegedly attempting to assault the girl and her mother, intentionally hit them with his vehicle, leading to the death of the teenager and critical injuries to her mother.

Overview of the Incident

On Saturday morning, specifically at 4:15 a.m., the New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded to an alarming call in Queens. A gray 2009 Chevy Suburban struck two people—Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and her mother—before fleeing the scene. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the driver had been aggressive, having attempted to sexually assault both women shortly before the collision. Following this incident, the police discovered that the vehicle had been engaged in another collision shortly thereafter, where Gomez allegedly hit a parked car before being apprehended.

The Background of the Suspect

Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, was deported from the United States in 2005. His history shows evidence of significant legal troubles, including multiple arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Authorities tracked him several times, notably in April 2013, when he was arrested during a DUI incident and subsequently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, he was released shortly after under the Alternatives to Detention program, which allows for the monitoring of non-citizens awaiting legal proceedings. It appears that he evaded subsequent immigration enforcement actions, including one in October 2024.

Victims and Their Condition

The tragic outcome of this incident was the death of Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, who was also hit, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition at a local hospital. This situation has left the community in shock, prompting widespread grief and outrage. It emphasizes the collateral damage of reckless actions influenced by a history of substance abuse.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Following the tragic hit-and-run, NYPD officials located and arrested Gomez later the same day. He is now facing multiple charges, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, and two counts of assault, as well as additional vehicular charges. An immigration detainer was placed on him by ICE following his arrest, which has reignited discussions on how similar cases are handled in the existing immigration framework. Officials express concern that incidents involving illegal immigrants with prior criminal records are becoming alarmingly frequent.

Broader Implications on Immigration Policy

This incident has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about immigration policy in the United States. Critics argue that leniency towards illegal immigrants and the recently emphasized enforcement priorities hinder the ability of law enforcement to track and manage individuals with criminal backgrounds. The case of Edwin Cruz Gomez raises important questions about public safety, legal accountability, and the effectiveness of current immigration programs. Authorities are faced with increasing pressure to reassess and potentially reform policies that seem to allow repeated offenders to slip through systemic cracks.

Summary

The heart-wrenching incident involving Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between immigration policy and public safety. With the fatal consequences of reckless behavior impacting innocent lives, questions are swirling around existing policies and how they allow repeat offenders to remain free despite their risk to communities. As authorities and community members seek justice, this case may hasten the conversations needed for necessary reforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What charges is the suspect facing?

The suspect, Edwin Cruz Gomez, is facing multiple charges, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, and two counts of assault.

Question: What was the condition of the mother in this incident?

The mother of the deceased victim is in stable condition after suffering serious injuries during the incident.

Question: How does this incident reflect on immigration policies?

This incident has highlighted concerns regarding immigration enforcement policies, particularly concerning the handling of illegal immigrants with previous criminal records and how current regulations may allow them to evade law enforcement.

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