Armenian-American Action Network Condemns Vandalism & Possible Hate Crime Against St. Peter's Armenian Church in Van Nuys, CA

Armenian-American Action Network Condemns Vandalism & Possible Hate Crime Against St. Peter's Armenian Church in Van Nuys, CA

LOS ANGELES, CA —More than eight stained glass windows were shattered and other items damaged in the early morning at St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys, California. We condemn this despicable act of vandalism and possible hate crime, and are monitoring the situation. According to authorities, the investigation is ongoing.

Security footage by the church reveals the attack was by a man with a mask with what appears to be a baseball bat. We encourage the community to stay vigilant and are deeply saddened by this attack on this sacred center of our Armenian-American community in Los Angeles.

The windows were over 60 years old, and like much of St. Peter’s built by early Armenian-American communities. St. Peter’s continues to serve the spiritual needs of Armenian-Americans and Armenian immigrants.

Armenian-American Action Network stands in solidarity with the leadership and community members of St. Peter’s Church. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are encouraging officials to investigate possible motives and designation as hate crime(s). As a new organization dedicated to protecting Armenian-American civil rights, we will continue to fight anti-Armenian racism in all forms.

There is no place for hate in our communities.

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Donations are being accepted for the church here. Please give what you can.