A Massachusetts man is facing charges related to allegations of snapping off the arms of a 150-year-old Jesus statue at a cathedral in Boston.
Around 6:14 p.m. on Tuesday, Michael Patzelt climbed up the cross in front of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, according to police. Video reportedly shows Patzelt grabbing onto the Jesus statue on the crucifix.
Footage from the crime scene allegedly shows Patzelt swinging repeatedly on the Jesus statue and breaking off both of the arms.
A prosecutor explained, “Boston police received a radio call for a person who was hanging on the cross at 1400 Washington Street. … The person was seen climbing, hanging, and swinging on the cross. He caused significant damage to the cross.”
Witness Samuel Copans said, “He was just swearing, saying he could do what he wanted to do. After the priest came out, he said pretty vulgar things to the priest.”
Patzelt is also accused of assaulting a woman who was shopping in the area with her child.
Tashana Watson told WFXT, “I pushed him.”
“I pushed him like four times to get him away. And then he grabbed my hair and my hat and threw it. Then he tried to have a conversation, something to the effect of, ‘Just shoot me.'”
“It’s sad, it’s an historic landmark. I’m a parishioner, my grandmother went here,” Watson added. “The attack makes you feel anything can be open for attack.”
The Archdiocese of Boston issued a statement:
We appreciate the swift action by the Boston Police Department in apprehending a suspect. Whatever motivated this person to damage the crucifix, we know it can be repaired and continue to be a source of prayer and hope for the faithful and all those who find comfort in the Lord. We ask that people pray for the individual and for peace in his heart.
Patzelt reportedly caused $20,000 worth of damage to the crucifix that was built some 150 years ago. Crews had already started to repair the vandalized statue at the cathedral in Boston’s South End neighborhood.
Michael Patzelt, a 37-year-old of Attleboro, has been charged with malicious destruction of property, assault and battery, and injury to a church/synagogue over $5,000.
The judge wanted to know if mental illness played a role in the church attack.
Judge Paul Treseler said of Patzelt, “Counsel, is this an issue of a depraved heart or a very sick mind?”
Patzelt has a lengthy rap sheet.
“I’m looking at his record and I see a man who has seven pages of committed time. … And then I go and I look at a 10-page Florida record, and it’s full of similar charges to what we’re seeing here today,” the judge said during the hearing.
Patzelt’s lawyer said his client is “remorseful.”
Patzelt is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 30.
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* Original Article:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/church-attack-jesus-statue-destroyed-boston-cathedral
