Parishioners at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Arlington say they’re “appalled” by graffiti that appeared overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Though the messages are written in Spanish, they are mostly nonsensical.
However, they carry violent themes, like death, even crucifixion.
“I don’t understand what it means, I don’t understand why, I don’t even understand how they did it,” said Mildred Hinson, a longtime parishioner.
Arlington Police say the graffiti was discovered around 8 am on Sunday, as churchgoers were arriving for early mass.
Lt. Christopher Cook said they don’t have any suspects or motive right now, but investigators are getting an early start, because the city has a low tolerance for vandalism and graffiti.
He could not say if police suspect gang activity, but said the gang unit was involved in the investigation, although the neighborhood itself is not known for having a gang presence.
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Parishioner Elaine Modrell added that she sees the display as one of disrespect.
“There has to be a more productive way of getting your point across than defacing other’s property and the property of a church!”
Lt. Cook says under Texas state law, graffiti to a church, regardless of the financial tally of damages, carries a state jail felony.
