That video can be seen below.
Herrera told CNA that the vandal caused more than $20,000 in damages. The church, he said, will have to find another $20,000 to pay for security measures such as new cameras, a guard, and door locks.
The priest told CNA that while he considers the crimes a “hate crime” because the religious images were targeted, he hopes that the perpetrator of these crimes will seek help if needed.
“God forgives, and we forgive,” Herrera said.
Ana Cristina Bolanos, a parishioner, told NBC San Diego that she was inside the church during the attack, when the vandal kicked over multiple flower vases, smashed a display case and statue of Mary, and threw a vase at a crucifix.
“I didn’t know how to react. I did want to cry, to be honest,” she said.
People have visited the location of the vandalism and lit candles and offered prayers, according to NBC.
Bolanos said, “I am actually a bit afraid to come because I come every day. I’m like, ‘What if something happens?’”
She is a daily Mass goer, however, and said: “I come with the strength of God. I will come and even if it happens, I will be here.”
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