Man Arrested for Hate Crime Vandalism at San Francisco Church

Suspect booked on felony vandalism with hate crime enhancement after antisemitic, homophobic graffiti found on church buildings.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Police in San Francisco have arrested a 51-year-old man named Sadat Mousa and charged him with felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement after he allegedly spray-painted antisemitic and homophobic graffiti on a church in the city's California Street neighborhood over the weekend. The damage is estimated to exceed $20,000.

Why it matters

Hate crimes and acts of vandalism targeting religious institutions are a serious concern in San Francisco and across the country, as they can instill fear and division within communities. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and action to protect vulnerable groups and uphold values of tolerance and inclusion.

The details

According to police, officers responded around 8:45 a.m. on Saturday to a church on the 2800 block of California Street after receiving reports of the antisemitic and homophobic graffiti. Authorities said they found fresh paint with swastikas and other hateful language on church buildings and nearby city utilities. Police located and arrested Sadat Mousa, 51, on suspicion of felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 2, 2026 around 8:45 a.m.

The players

Sadat Mousa

A 51-year-old man who was arrested and charged with felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement for allegedly spray-painting antisemitic and homophobic graffiti on a San Francisco church.

Derrick Lew

The San Francisco police chief who stated that this "kind of hateful act will never be tolerated" and that police will "do everything in our power to protect our communities and ensure justice is served in this case."

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What they’re saying

“This kind of hateful act will never be tolerated in our city. We will do everything in our power to protect our communities and ensure justice is served in this case.”

— Derrick Lew, San Francisco Police Chief (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Mousa is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail or remain in custody as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities in San Francisco. It underscores the importance of swift law enforcement action and a continued commitment to promoting tolerance and inclusion within the city.