Vandals Decapitate Blessed Mother Statue at Long Beach Catholic School

Thieves also stole audio-visual equipment and caused over $30,000 in damage at Holy Innocents School.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Vandals broke into a Catholic school in Long Beach, California, decapitating a statue of the Blessed Mother, tearing up classrooms, and stealing audio-visual equipment. The attack caused over $30,000 in damage at Holy Innocents School, which serves a low-income community and receives Title I funding.

Why it matters

The vandalism at Holy Innocents School is a disturbing attack on a religious institution and its community. The school serves underprivileged families, making the crime even more troubling. Incidents like this raise concerns about hate crimes and the targeting of religious organizations.

The details

According to police, the vandals knocked off and partially shattered the head of a statue of the Blessed Mother that had been at the school since it opened in 1958. Other statues were also damaged in the attack. The thieves also stole audio-visual equipment and caused extensive damage to classrooms.

  • The vandalism occurred on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Holy Innocents School

A Catholic school in Long Beach, California that serves a low-income community and receives Title I funding.

Cyril Cruz

The principal of Holy Innocents School.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if there is some healing that needs to be done or if there's some hatred towards like, the religious objects or towards a Catholic church or something like that. We don't know, but our students are just continuing to pray for them so I think that's so beautiful.”

— Cyril Cruz, Principal, Holy Innocents School (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the vandals. The school has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for restoration and repairs.

The takeaway

This attack on a Catholic school serving a low-income community is a disturbing act of vandalism and potential hate crime. It highlights the need for greater understanding and protection of religious institutions, especially those serving vulnerable populations.