Dallas police label vandalism of 'gay' church, monuments, media buildings, a 'hate crime'

Note: Of all church vandalisms reported to date on this blog, this is the first one where the local police department gave a press conference and labeled the vandalism a "hate crime."

Dallas Police are investigating what they believe may be a hate crime. Officers say someone has spray-painted "666" on at least a half-dozen landmarks and businesses around town. Investigators believe it started at The Cathedral of Hope, the self-described "nation's largest gay church." Parishioners found out Sunday morning, and took pictures to show police. "This is a reminder that Dallas is not the tolerant place we hoped it could be," says Rev. Jim Mitulsky. Just a mile to the south of the church, the entrance of Dallas' gay entertainment and lifestyle boulevard, the monument known as the "Legacy of Love" was also stained with the remnants of the washed away 666. "This is malicious and hateful and cowardly," says Oak Lawn Committee president Brenda Marks. Police identified six vandalized locations Monday, including the print media homes of the Dallas Morning News, D Magazine and the Dallas Observer. Authorities do not believe the acts were random. "Right now we are tentatively labeling it a hate crime, just because it's gay pride month, the locations are of significance," says Lt. Eno Fite.

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