Church and Catholic school St. Athanasius was vandalized overnight, and police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. 

Police say an American flag was burned and that the crucifix was knocked down and destroyed on the church’s property. 

“It looks like they used an object to knock it over. There was an intention to break it,” said Father Edwin Ortiz. 

“How could someone do this? I want to cry now,” said trustee Ginger Bivona. Councilmember Mark Treyger called it a “vicious, appalling hate crime against the Catholic community.” 

Treyger says he grew up a few blocks away. He tells News 12 the church is a center that provides both social and food services for the community, among other resources. 

“They destroyed a beautiful cross on church property. This church is a major center in our community,” said Treyger. 

He says zero hate in the community will be tolerated.

The church is cooperating with the police in hope that someone will come forward with information and lead them to who is responsible.