Original photo courtesy of Matthew Gregoire (Twitter @BreakngNewsPhtg)The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Dorchester’s Saint Peter Latin Catholic Parish was set on fire at night on Saturday, July 11th, 2020, in an act of intolerance that could be considered a hate crime based on local laws.
A hate crime is considered when it is motivated by prejudice resulting in damage to property, and mainly when the offender targets the victim with a “protected characteristic,” including religion, according to the Attorney General of Massachusetts.
Around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Boston Police Department responded to a call for a fire in the area of 284 Bowdoin Street in the neighborhood Dorchester, the agency said in a statement. On arrival, officers observed the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Saint Peter Parish Church set on fire.
The Boston fire department investigation unit stated that “an unknown suspect” had set fire to plastic flowers, which were in the hands of the statue, causing the face and upper body of the statue to be burned.
It is not the first time a religious symbol is vandalized in Dorchester. Last year, just before Holy Week, the police reported that several churches were subject to vandalism, including the church of Saint Gregory in Dorchester.
The Police Department is asking community members wishing to assist the investigation contact CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The identity of those who want to support this investigation in an anonymous manner will be protected.
Related:
Police chasing down vandals who damaged Virgin Mary’s image at Dorchester St. Gregory’s Church
Elements of hate crime must be considered in vandalism of Dorchester St. Gregory church
