Toronto, ON – Toronto’s police chief acknowledged an investigation is underway after a historic church was desecrated with antisemitic and homophobic graffiti.
James Ramer confirmed the “hate-motivated” incident in a tweet on Monday, saying these “events are too common in our city,” also noting that the force has increased patrols in surrounding areas.
Toronto Police confirm with CityNews that the vandalism occurred at Metropolitan United Church on Queen Street East, near the Eaton Centre.
Const. Rob Reid says investigators were called to the church around 1 p.m. to investigate reports of graffiti “believed to have been perpetrated by unknown parties sometime over this past weekend.”
“Our investigating officers quickly determined the graffiti was both anti-Semitic and homophobic in nature and immediately began an investigation,” Reid said. “As part of this investigation, the Toronto Police Hate Crime Unit has been engaged and will be offering their guidance and support to the Divisional investigators as they work the case.”
Reid says no suspects have been identified as the investigation is still in its early stages.
“There will be an increase in uniform police patrols of this area and others where similar incidents have taken place.”
Designed by Henry Langley and constructed in 1872, Metropolitan United Church is considered one of the largest and most prominent of the United Church of Canada.
CityNews has reached out to the church for comment.
