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DOJ Opens Civil-Rights Probe Into Desecration at Long Beach Catholic School

The Justice Department’s involvement elevates an inquiry that hinges on DNA evidence recovered at the scene.

Overview

  • Staff found the chapel, assembly hall and classrooms ransacked Monday, with a life-sized Virgin Mary statue decapitated and the tabernacle thrown to the floor but still locked.
  • Long Beach police collected blood, fingerprints and shoeprints for forensic testing, and investigators have not identified or arrested suspects or determined how many people were involved.
  • Federal civil-rights officials announced the review on X, and local authorities said they have contacted the FBI as the investigation continues.
  • Damage includes destroyed internet hardware, sound systems and musical instruments, with some reports placing losses near $100,000 alongside theft of multiple items.
  • Mass was canceled Monday as volunteers cleaned the campus, and a GoFundMe for repairs has raised more than $70,000 while the community works to restore operations.