Vandal Shatters Stained Glass Windows at Saint John Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia

In a disturbing act of vandalism, a suspect targeted multiple locations in Philadelphia, shattering stained glass windows and causing significant damage. The Saint John Neumann Shrine, a revered religious site in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, fell victim to this destructive spree on Monday. Police suspect that a single individual is responsible for these crimes, which have become increasingly prevalent in the area.

The Saint John Neumann Shrine, known for housing the body of the first male saint in the United States and having been visited by Pope Francis, suffered the destruction of three stained glass windows. The imported Austrian glass, estimated to be worth around $20,000, was shattered by rocks and a brick.

Another targeted establishment was the historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Society Hill. Early Monday morning, rocks were hurled through the first-floor windows of the church, causing significant damage. Surveillance footage captured a man wearing a large black jacket and a Phillies ball cap throwing rocks at various locations throughout the city. The suspect was also caught on video damaging a small business at 16th and Spruce streets.

The vandalism spree occurred between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, with sources suggesting that the same individual may have also targeted the iconic Bethel AME church on South 6th Street. The church’s stained glass windows, dating back to the 1800s, were shattered, and the repair costs are estimated to be around $15,000.

Philadelphia police are actively searching for the suspect, and they have released videos of the incidents in hopes of gathering information from the public. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police at 215-686-TIPS.