West LA Church Faces Its Third Vandalism Incident in Just Two Months
Faith Tabernacle Church in West Los Angeles Vandalized for the Third Time in Two Months
LOS ANGELES – Faith Tabernacle Church, a longstanding institution in West Los Angeles for over 85 years, has experienced a series of vandalism incidents, with the latest attack occurring early Thursday morning. The church, which has faced similar assaults twice in the past eight weeks, is now dealing with an estimated repair cost of $1,100.
According to police reports, the incident transpired around 2 a.m. Wednesday at the corner of Purdue and Olympic, coinciding with the triggering of security alarms. The alleged vandal reportedly used a large boulder, likely removed from the church’s landscaping, to break the glass and gain access to the lobby.
Despite the forced entry, Pastor of Faith Tabernacle confirmed that nothing was stolen during this or the previous vandalism incidents.
Security footage captured a man sleeping outside the church shortly before the break-in, appearing to argue with himself. However, his face was not clearly identifiable during the act.
Authorities have yet to provide information on a suspect or confirm whether the same individual is responsible for all three incidents. The pastor noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting a hate crime, although he expressed concern about the possibility of targeted motivations behind the acts.
"I just think as someone that’s been mentally challenged, or there could be someone that has maybe differences with the church," he remarked. "There’s a possibility of that, but we just don’t know."
In light of the recent vandalism, the church has boarded up the shattered entrance and initiated the cleanup process. Local authorities are in the process of reviewing security footage to determine if there is a link between the recent assailant and the previous incidents.
As the church community copes with the emotional and financial implications of the vandalism, the pastor encouraged a spirit of forgiveness, stating, "Well, you know what? I just see it. You just gotta have forgiveness."
