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Churches Damaged In Weekend Vandalism

Last updated on Tuesday, September 2, 2014

(COLUMBUS) - Columbus police are hoping surveillance video will help them identify who vandalized three churches over the weekend.

St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Lakeview Church of Christ and East Columbus Christian Church were tagged with graffiti including the word "infidels" and chapters and verses from the Quran. Sgt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus Police Department said the department is investigating the incidents as vandalism.

"We have no reason, at this time, to treat it as any other thing, at this point," Harris said. 'The pastors and priests at each of the churches has spoken to their congregations about it. This is the first time in my career that I can remember something like this happening at any of our places of worship here in town. With us being a very international community, with workers from all over the world here in Columbus, those same persons attend the different places of worship here in town."

Members of the local Muslim community have condemned the vandalism.

Harris said anyone with information can contact the police department anonymously at 376-2500.

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