Community in Shock After Catholic Church Targeted in Satanic Attack
Satanic Vandalism Shocks Wichita Community
The Wichita Police Department discovered “extensive vandalism, including hate speech, damage to statues, candles, and glass” at St. Patrick Church, with a United States flag also burned during the attack. The Kansas Catholic Conference reported that a Satanic website was scrawled on a wall, though police have not disclosed specific details about the hate speech found at the scene.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed strong condemnation of the attack, stating, “It’s disgusting. This reprehensible act of vandalism will not be tolerated.” The severity of the incident has prompted involvement from multiple agencies, including the Wichita Fire Department, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
President Trump called the Satanic vandalism of a Catholic church in Kansas over the weekend "terrible" and pledged to look in to it.
Trump was informed by a reporter of the attack, in which 23-year-old Michael Angel Gonzalez allegedly ransacked St. Patrick's Catholic church in… pic.twitter.com/p7pY0j8aZ6
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) March 18, 2025
Suspect Arrested with Extensive Criminal History
Michael Angel Gonzalez, the 23-year-old suspect, was apprehended on Sunday following the Saturday morning discovery of the vandalism. Gonzalez is being held on a bond exceeding $500,000 and faces numerous charges related to the church attack.
Court records reveal that Gonzalez was already on parole for previous convictions including criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and burglary. The additional charges of contempt of court and parole violation compound his legal troubles following this latest incident at St. Patrick’s Church.
Community Response and Security Concerns
The timing of the attack, occurring just before St. Patrick’s Day, has added to the distress felt by the church community named after the celebrated saint. Religious leaders and community members have expressed shock at the deliberate nature of the sacrilegious vandalism.
Chief Sullivan emphasized that places of worship deserve respect regardless of one’s religious beliefs, highlighting the broader implications for religious freedom and community security. The multi-agency response demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this attack on religious property and symbols.
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