DOJ Launches Civil Rights Probe After California Catholic School Vandalized

Statues smashed, religious images destroyed, and tabernacle desecrated at Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:55am

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The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced it is opening an investigation following a break-in and act of vandalism at Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach, California. School officials reported that the assembly hall, chapel, and classrooms were broken into and desecrated, with statues smashed, images of religious figures destroyed, and the tabernacle thrown to the floor.

Why it matters

This incident of religious desecration and property damage at a Catholic school raises serious civil rights concerns and will be thoroughly investigated by federal authorities. The local community and church leaders have expressed heartbreak over the traumatic nature of the vandalism, which appears to target the school's religious identity and symbols.

The details

According to authorities, the vandalism included defecation on school grounds, as well as partially consumed food and drinks left behind, providing potential DNA evidence for investigators. Local police and the FBI have been contacted regarding the incident, and investigators estimate the damage to the church at approximately $100,000.

  • The vandalism occurred at Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach, California.

The players

Harmeet Dhillon

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, who announced the DOJ's investigation into the incident.

Lila Rose

President of Live Action, who posted on social media about the vandalism and destruction of religious symbols.

Cyril Cruz

Principal of Holy Innocents Catholic School, who expressed heartbreak over the desecration of the school's religious items and spaces.

Bishop Mark Trudeau

The local bishop who stated that this is the worst case of vandalism he has ever seen in the region.

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What they’re saying

“The @CivilRights will open an investigation into this awful crime.”

— Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights (X)

“Statues smashed. Images of Our Lady destroyed. The tabernacle thrown to the floor. This is one of the worst cases of vandalism the local bishop has ever seen. Hatred of Christ only destroys hearts. Pray for this school.”

— Lila Rose, President of Live Action (X)

“There are crucifixes. There are statues of the Blessed Mother. The tabernacle itself was taken and thrown on the floor and the Sacred House is there. That, to me, is more traumatizing than anything else. It's not just the material things. It's the heart behind the things.”

— Cyril Cruz, Principal of Holy Innocents Catholic School (Fox 11)

What’s next

The DOJ's Civil Rights Division will continue its investigation into the vandalism at Holy Innocents Catholic School, working with local law enforcement to identify the perpetrators and determine if any civil rights violations occurred.

The takeaway

This disturbing act of religious desecration and property damage at a Catholic school underscores the importance of protecting civil rights and religious freedom, even in the face of such hateful and destructive behavior. The community's resilience and commitment to prayer in the face of this trauma is a powerful testament to their faith.