KTLA News reports that vandals struck St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reseda earlier this week. Police are now investigating the incident as a hate crime. An officer with the Los Angeles Police Department first noticed the sacrilegious graffiti on Wednesday morning around 8:00 a.m. At least 10 different messages were written across the church.
The sayings "Satan Lives," "Revolution 666," and "False Messiah" are just some of the sayings that were inscribed on the walls and doors of the church. The damage is estimated to be at thousands of dollars.
Many community members are surprised by the hateful attack on the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as this type of hate crime is considered to be rare. FindLaw states that generally speaking, only 3 percent of all hate crimes occur at a church, synagogue, or temple. Investigators from the multi-agency House of Worship Task Force are investigating the incident, but so far officials have not reported if officials were able to arrest any suspects. California Penal Code Section 594 states that vandalism can be treated as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the amount of property damage and whether or not the defendant has prior vandalism convictions.
If the amount of damage is over $400, then a suspect can be charged with a felony. LawBrain states that people convicted of a hate crime typically receive enhanced punishments.
Hate crimes typically receive such enhanced punishments because they are intended to destroy communities by instilling fear into certain groups of a community. When individuals who commit these crimes are not found or prosecuted, it can serve to weaken a community’s relations.
If you have questions about hate crimes. please feel free to visit our Related Resoruces links.
Related Resources:
- New FBI Hate Crime Statistics Released (FindLaw Blotter)
- Expanded Hate Crimes Definition: What is Covered? (FindLaw Blotter)
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer (FindLaw)
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