Attleboro resident Michael Patzelt, 37, was arraigned on Wednesday for a shocking act of vandalism at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston's South End.
The vandalism resulted in an estimated $20,000 worth of damage.
During the arraignment, a prosecutor informed the court that Boston police had received a radio call about a person hanging on the cross at 1400 Washington Street. The individual, later identified as Patzelt, caused significant damage to the cross.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden expressed his disbelief at the level of venom and destructiveness displayed by Patzelt. Hayden emphasized that while citizens are free to practice any religion or no religion at all, they are not free to desecrate symbols held precious by various faiths within society.
Prior to the incident at the Cathedral, Boston police had received a call about Patzelt knocking a woman's hat off her head while she was walking with her child. Patzelt has been charged with assault in relation to that incident as well.
The charges against Patzelt include assault and malicious destruction of property. This is not the first time Patzelt has faced legal consequences for his actions, as he has previously been imprisoned for assaulting an ambulance driver. He is currently being held on $5,000 cash bail.
Patzelt's attorney argued that he is unemployed, homeless, and struggling with mental illness.
In response to the vandalism, the Archdiocese of Boston issued a statement expressing their disappointment. They stated, "Unfortunately, the Cathedral experienced vandalism at the exterior crucifix." The Archdiocese added that they have no information regarding the motive behind the act and have entrusted the matter to the capable hands of the Boston Police Department.
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