Churches, Statues Burned and Vandalized across Multiple U.S. States

Several churches and statues of religious figures were badly damaged in separate incidents across the nation over the weekend.

Law enforcement is currently investigating these incidents in light of the recent protests over statues and monuments.

In Florida, one man crashed his car into the foyer of Queen of Peace Catholic Church before pouring gasoline in the church and setting it on fire, Fox News reports.

The Catholic church was in the midst of conducting its Saturday morning mass at the time of the incident. After setting the building ablaze, the suspect sped away in his vehicle but was eventually caught and taken into custody by police.

24-year-old Steven Anthony Shields was arrested on multiple charges including attempted murder, arson, burglary, and evading arrest.

According to an affidavit report, the suspect in custody told law enforcement officers his actions were “awesome” and that he was on a “mission,” referring to himself as the “king.”

A detective was told by Shields that he took issue with the Catholic Church and did not take his medication for his schizophrenia diagnosis.

While the church’s foyer was immensely burned by the fire, the church was able to safely continue its Mass service.

Meanwhile, on Saturday around 4 a.m., a church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles California was also set ablaze.

San Gabriel church in Los Angeles had been undergoing renovations in…