‘Face of evil': Catholic Church named after St. Patrick vandalized with Satanic message
Federal and local authorities are investigating a possible hate crime after a Catholic Church named after St. Patrick was discovered with "extensive vandalism," including a Satanic message in Wichita, Kansas.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man in relation to the case, but authorities are continuing their investigation.
The damage included the beheading of a statue of St. Patrick, the breaking of candles and windows, and the burning of an American flag. The vandalism also included a Satanic website being scrawled onto the Church's wall, according to a statement by the Catholic Conference of Kansas.
The Catholic conference responded to the incident by saying, "This is the face of evil."
The conference said the website is the same type of group that will be holding a Satanic worship ritual at the Kansas State Capitol on March 28.
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Church members could not hold services on Saturday due to the attack, the conference said in a post that included pictures of the damage.
"This is the hate crime scene at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita. After forcing their way inside, statues were destroyed, glass smashed and other extensive damage exacted upon this sacred space," said the conference.
The Wichita Police Department also released a statement in which it said it is working with federal law enforcement to launch a "full-scale investigation."
According to the statement, police arrested a suspect in connection with the attack, a 23-year-old man from Saline County, at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday. Local outlet Salina Post identified the man as Michael Angel Gonzalez, citing Sedgwick County booking records.
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The man was arrested without incident and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of Burglary, Criminal Desecration, and Criminal Damage to Property. The police said the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County district attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charging considerations.
Speaking at the scene, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan called the attack "disgusting," according to local outlet Ksnw.
"It doesn't matter what denomination. People should feel safe there, and they should feel that it's a place that would be respected," he said.
Sullivan said, "this reprehensible act of vandalism will not be tolerated."
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Despite the attack, Sullivan posted on Sunday that the church congregation – which is predominantly Hispanic – held a St. Patrick's Day parade.
"This afternoon, I attended the St. Patrick Catholic Church St. Paddy's Day parade, where the congregation and the community came together in celebration," he said. "Their resilience was evident, especially after the heartbreaking burglary and vandalism that occurred yesterday."
He added, "It was even more meaningful to know that the suspect responsible for this terrible act was taken into custody before sunrise, thanks to the swift and dedicated work of WPD officers. Great job to our team for getting him off the streets and behind bars!"Original article source: 'Face of evil': Catholic Church named after St. Patrick vandalized with Satanic message
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CBS News
37 minutes ago
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Los Angeles ICE protest crowds shut down 101 Freeway amid National Guard deployment after immigration operations
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The amount of total arrests made is not yet clear, but a senior city official in L.A. told CBS News that at least 29 protesters were arrested Friday night. Mr. Trump announced Saturday night that he'd deploy the guard in response to the massive protests. In a post to his Truth Social late Saturday night local time, Trump called the events in L.A. "two days of violence, clashes and unrest." "These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED," he continued. Mr. Trump added that masks will no longer be allowed to be worn at protests, although he did not specify how or if this would be enforced. Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC in downtown Los Angeles, California on June 8, 2025. US President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 troops on June 7 to handle escalating protests against immigration enforcement raids in the Los Angeles area, a move the state's governor termed "purposefully inflammatory." Federal agents clashed with angry crowds in a Los Angeles suburb as protests stretched into a second night Saturday, shooting flash-bang grenades and shutting part of a freeway amid raids on undocumented migrants, reports said. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images A Presidential Memoranda issued Saturday stated that at least 2,000 National Guard troops were going to be deployed. The majority of the soldiers are from the California National Guard, a Defense Department official told CBS News. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday criticized Mr. Trump's military deployment, calling it "purposefully inflammatory" in a post to X. "The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle," he said in another post. "Don't give them one." He formally requested that Mr. Trump rescind the deployment of troops to L.A. in a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying there was "no need" for the National Guard. "State and local authorities are the most appropriate ones to evaluate the need for resources to safeguard life and property," Newsom's letter said. "Indeed, the decision to deploy the National Guard, without appropriate training or orders, risks seriously escalating the situation." COMPTON, CA -JUNE 7, 2025: A protester carries a Mexican flag as LA County Sheriff deputies form a law enforcement line to keep demonstrators from advancing after ICE raids at a nearby Home Depot and the Garment District brought out resistance from Los Angeles residents on June 7, 2025 in Compton, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Gina Ferazzi Mayor Karen Bass called the deployment of the National Guard a "chaotic escalation" of the situation in a post to X. "The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real – it's felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk," she said in part. "This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful." Former Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to share a statement on Sunday afternoon. "Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city. Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos," her statement said. Standing outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center before violent clashes began on Sunday, Rep. Maxine Waters, who represents parts of South L.A., called Mr. Trump's deployment of the National Guard a "disruption." "People have to stand up for what is right," she said. In a statement to CBS News, an ICE spokesperson said immigration enforcement operations have resulted in the arrest of a "domestic abuser" and a "child rapist." "Irresponsible politicians continue to push dangerous and misleading rhetoric that puts communities and law enforcement at risk," the statement reads. "Even the Los Angeles Police Departments referred to violent riots yesterday as 'peaceful protests.' Americans can look at the videos and images and see with their own eyes that they are dangerous not 'peaceful.'" Protesters clash with law enforcement again A massive crowd of protesters in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, as demonstrations against immigration operations continue for third straight day. KCAL News For the third straight day, some protesters and activists gathered in downtown L.A. to protest the ongoing operations and presence of federal authorities in the city. The situation appeared calm to start on Sunday, with CBS News Los Angeles reporters at the scene reporting no signs of conflict until about 3 p.m., when a large group of demonstrators marched from the steps of L.A. City Hall to the federal building, where the detention center is located. They began to clash with the large group of federal agents located outside of the building, including some who looked to be members of the National Guard. In response to the escalation, which police said involved people throwing projectiles and concrete in their direction, the LAPD issued a Tactical Alert for the entire city. "An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared for the area of Alameda between 2nd St and Aliso St. A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued. Arrests are being made. To our media partners, please keep a safe distance from active operations," said a post on X by LAPD's Central Division. Two officers were injured when two motorcyclists tried to breach the LAPD skirmish line in front of the detention center, police said. Both of those people were detained. Several blocks away, CBS News Los Angeles reporters saw a smaller crowd of demonstrators vandalizing as many as six Waymo vehicles in the area. They were seen spray painting the cars, throwing objects and jumping on the windshields. A short time later one of those vehicles was set on fire as a large crowd looked on. The crowd moved into the city's Civic Center at around 5 p.m. Some demonstrators were seen setting fireworks from the CBS News Los Angeles helicopter as LAPD officers on horseback attempted to push the crowd back. Demonstrators flood the 101 Freeway as immigration operation protests continue for third day in Los Angeles. KCAL News Just before 4 p.m., demonstrators moved onto the 101 Freeway, blocking traffic on the busy thoroughfare. They blocked the Aliso Street offramp and several lanes while hundreds of others watched from the Main Street overpass. In response, the California Highway Patrol closed the entire stretch of freeway that runs through the downtown area. Dozens of CHP officers were seen as they also entered the freeway, stopping under the overpass in a line. They completely overtook southbound lanes, moving protesters back, though the majority of the crowd remained on the other side of the freeway. As they continued to push the crowd, several people were seen being taken into custody from SKYCAL's aerial view. In nearby Pasadena, a small gathering began Sunday afternoon after federal officers were spotted at a local hotel, a city spokesperson confirmed. Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo said in a statement that no enforcement activity was confirmed. "We understand the anxiety and fear that these reports can create for many in our community," he said. "I urge our community to remain calm, united, and peaceful, and not be baited or provoked into violence. The right to peacefully assemble and express ourselves is a fundamental part of who we are—not just as Pasadenans, but as Americans." How this all started The new military presence in L.A. comes after days of escalation between protesters and law enforcement, notably Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On Friday evening, multiple immigration operations were conducted across L.A., primarily in the Westlake District, downtown and South L.A., ICE officials confirmed. A single operation at a job site Friday resulted in the arrest of 44 unauthorized immigrants, ICE told CBS News on Sunday. An additional 77 were arrested around the same time frame in the greater L.A. area. The exact charges of those arrests were not yet clear as of Sunday afternoon. ICE confirmed to CBS News Los Angeles that four federal search warrants were served at three locations in L.A. on Friday night. As news of those warrants spread, protests broke out. The most notable of which was Friday night, and took place outside the Federal Building in downtown L.A. after demonstrators learned that detainees were allegedly being held inside. As tensions escalated and some protesters threw objects toward law enforcement, the Los Angeles Police Department eventually issued an unlawful assembly declaration and a dispersal order. Dozens of officers sporting riot gear and shields formed a skirmish line. A federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the operations tells CBS News that ICE requested assistance from LAPD multiple times over the course of Friday night. That same official said it took local authorities more than 2 hours to honor that request, although a senior city official in L.A. told CBS News that it took LAPD 55 minutes to respond, not 2 hours. A car burns during a protest in Compton, Calif., Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. Eric Thayer / AP On Saturday, protests centered in on the city of Paramount after ICE and other federal law enforcement officers were spotted. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that there was no ICE "raid" on Saturday in Paramount, but instead the agents were staging at an office. The protests in Paramount eventually spilled over into Compton, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered around a car that was set on fire in the middle of the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, near Dale's Donuts, Images captured at the scene by CBS News Los Angeles showed law enforcement deploying what appeared to be tear gas to disperse crowds and shooting non-lethal munitions at some protesters. Going forward U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán, who represents parts of L.A.'s South Bay, tells CBS News that ICE enforcement and removal operations are expected daily for the next 30 days in LA County. A federal law enforcement official tells CBS News that deputies with LA County Sheriff's Office are now assisting ICE officials with perimeter protection, although they will not be assisting with any immigration enforcement efforts. , and contributed to this report.
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US troops make first detentions in Trump border military zones
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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
'Unlawful Assembly' Declared Amid Los Angeles ICE Protests—Police
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Division has declared an "unlawful assembly" on Sunday afternoon during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in downtown LA. The declaration came just before 3 p.m. local time in the area of Alameda Street between Temple and Aliso streets, with police ordering all demonstrators to leave or face arrest. Newsweek has reached out to the LAPD via email on Sunday for comment. The Incident Commander has declared an UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY in the area of Alameda between Temple and Aliso St. All persons must leave the area or be subject to arrest. — LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 8, 2025 Why It Matters The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he had authorized the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after reported violence against law enforcement, specifically, ICE agents carrying out deportation raids in the city. While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles." The raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, followed similar action in locations through other parts of the city on Friday, during which police arrested at least 44 people. Some protesters have thrown rocks at officers, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, and burning items in the streets. Police responded with tear gas. The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority. Why the National Guard Was Called Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem directly blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the federal government's decision to deploy National Guard troops to assist with violent clashes between police and immigration protesters in Los Angeles. The deployment came after reports of significant violence against law enforcement, including officers sustaining injuries from bricks thrown through vehicle windows, vehicles being burned, and Molotov cocktails being thrown at personnel conducting ICE operations. Noem criticized Newsom's handling of the situation during an appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation, arguing that proper state-level response could have prevented the escalation. She emphasized that the 2,000 National Guard soldiers are specifically trained for crowd control situations and will provide security around federal buildings while supporting both peaceful protesters and law enforcement officers. The federal intervention represents a sharp disagreement between state and federal authorities over jurisdiction and necessity. Newsom has maintained that local authorities are capable of handling the situation and accused Trump of deliberately inflaming tensions through the deployment. What To Know The situation escalated rapidly as LAPD authorized the use of less lethal munitions and issued dispersal orders. Police warned on X, formerly Twitter, that anyone throwing items at officers would be detained and arrested, while also announcing that the city was on tactical alert. Multiple arrests were reported as law enforcement moved to clear protest areas. Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Saturday evening, citing violence against law enforcement during immigration protests. The troops arrived Sunday morning and have been positioned at federal buildings, including the Civic Center area, according to LAPD Central Division. The president invoked 10 U.S.C. 12406, a provision within Title 10 that allows federal deployment of National Guard forces when there is "rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States." His order stated that violent protests constitute "a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States." The protests began in response to ICE raids in Paramount and other parts of Los Angeles County, with at least 44 arrests made Friday. Demonstrators have gathered near federal facilities amid reports that detainees were being held in a federal building basement—allegations ICE has categorically denied. When asked on Sunday about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump indicated current conditions don't meet that threshold but emphasized his administration will not tolerate violence against federal personnel. Police also issued warnings for people to avoid MTA train areas, stating that anyone remaining on the tracks would be subject to arrest. Roads near the federal detention center and federal courts building were closed as demonstrations continued for a third consecutive day. The use of less lethal munitions has been authorized by the Incident Commander. Persons throwing items at officers will be detained and arrested. An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared by the Incident Commander. — LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 8, 2025 What People Are Saying Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Face the Nation on Sunday: "If he [Newsom] was doing his job, people wouldn't have gotten hurt the last couple of days. We wouldn't have officers with a shattered wrist from bricks thrown through their vehicles, vehicles being burned, flags burned in the street and Molotov cocktails being thrown." California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X on Sunday: "I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command. We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California." Border czar Tom Homan on Fox News on Saturday said: "We're already mobilizing. We're gonna bring the National Guard in tonight and we're gonna continue doing our job. This is about enforcing the law." He added: "American people, this is about enforcing the law, and again, we're not going to apologize for doing it." President Donald Trump on Truth Social wrote on Saturday: "If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!" Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on X on Sunday: "We will always protect the constitutional right for Angelenos to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction and vandalism will not be tolerated in our City and those responsible will be held fully accountable." LAPD Central Division on X on Sunday: "Officers are reporting that people in the crowd are throwing concrete, bottles and other objects. Arrests are being initiated. A DISPERSAL ORDER has been issued for the area of Alameda and Temple. Those at Alameda and Temple must leave the area." What Happens Next? Protesters have gathered for a third day as law enforcement continues to ramp up its operations.
