Local

Everett church vandalism being investigated as hate crime

EVERETT, Mass. — A cross was recovered Thursday night after being ripped from the ground in front of the Zion Baptist Church in Everett.

“It was pretty deep in the ground so it took a little to pull it up, get it out and discard it,” said Bishop Robert Brown, church pastor.

Brown is concerned about who could have done this?

“There’s enough ill going on in the world as it is, and if it is hate, it’s time to stop the hate,” said Brown.

Everett Police are investigating this as a hate crime. And Everett’s mayor said he’s disgusted by this attack on a local church.

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“A hate crime took place today that are thoroughly going to investigate and ensure that justice is done. We don’t tolerate this in our community,” said DeMaria.

Beyond Everett, Brown is concerned churches are now being targeted especially after a vandalism at a Springfield Baptist Church Wednesday night.

“Spray painted their church sign right out in their yard,” said Brown.

The other question now is: Why?

“We don’t know if it’s going to go any further, and we’d like to get some sort of idea as to why it happened,” said Brown.

Whatever the motive, Bishop Brown says the cross is going back where it was.

“It’s a symbol of our faith. I think that’s more important to me. This is a house of faith. We’re here for those who are in need,” said Brown.

He plans to put it back into the same place but this time he’ll use cement to hold it in place.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Everett Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit, Civil Rights Officer at 617-394-5063.

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