Fairfax County Police Investigate Vandalism At Burke Catholic Church

BURKE, VA — Fairfax County police are investigating vandalism that occurred Tuesday night at the Nativity Catholic Church in Burke. The vandals damaged four statues in the garden outside the church.

Nativity Catholic Church notified the Fairfax County Police Department about the vandalism Wednesday morning. The police came to the church to document the vandalism and begin their investigation, the church said.

The church is located just off Old Keene Mill Road in Burke.

"This morning we found vandalism on the Nativity campus at the grotto that apparently occurred last night," Nativity Catholic Church posted on its Facebook page Wednesday. "I am so saddened by this act of disrespect and destruction of property. The statues damaged are images of the Blessed Mother and the children she appeared to at Fatima."

Fairfax County police officers found three of the statues had their heads removed, and a fourth statue had its head and hands removed. One head of the statue appeared to be taken from the scene, according to the police.

The church said the statues that were damaged are not repairable. After removing the statues, the church said it will work to replace them.

"The Grotto is a place of prayer, peace, and healing. We pray for the person or persons who desecrated this sacred space and for peace in our world and the end of violence," the church said.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Chairman Jeffrey McKay issued a statement Wednesday about the vandalism. "The destruction of property and disrespect to our Catholic community is alarming because, as its core, it makes people feel unsafe," he said.

"Under all circumstances, we reject this hateful action, and I can assure you we will continue to make Fairfax County a community that is safe for everyone," McKay added.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the Fairfax County police at 703-644-7377 or submit a tip via Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text by typing “FCCS” and the tip to 847411, or by web.