Surveillance photos released of Calgary church vandalism suspects
The Calgary Police Service is asking for help from the public to identify suspects believed responsible for vandalism at a number of churches, including a fire investigators say was deliberately set.
The damage is believed to be in response to the discovery of unmarked graves near former residential schools in B.C. and Saskatchewan.
"We acknowledge the trauma, hurt and anger being felt by many in the community over the recent news of graves being found at former residential schools," police said in a release.
"While the vast majority of people have been peacefully expressing their responses to these events, the illegal vandalism and burning of churches across the country is dangerous and wrong.
"We remain committed to working toward peaceful reconciliation with the Indigenous community while still performing our duties of upholding the law and protecting public safety."
Red graffiti was painted on the outside of 11 churches in the city on the evening of June 30 and early-morning hours of July 1,
"In one case, a window was smashed so paint could also be thrown inside. Handprints, the number '215' and other markings suggest the vandalism was in response to the graves recently found at former residential schools," police said.
Then on July 4 at about 7:20 p.m., emergency crews were called to fire a church in Forest Heights, which was believed to be arson.
The Calgary Police Service Arson Unit is investigating, along with the Calgary Fire Department.
Surveillance photos of suspects were released by police on Wednesday in the hope someone will recognize them.
Police believe at least three people were responsible for damage at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Grace Presbyterian Church and St. Mary's Cathedral.
An unknown woman is believed to be responsible for leaving red and orange paint at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church and a number of people are believed to have splashed paint at Holy Trinity Church.
Officers are now conducting proactive patrols around specific churches, which officials say will continue "for the foreseeable future."
Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Help is available for anyone having trouble processing recent events:
- CPS Victim Assistance Support Team: 403-428-8398
- Distress Centre Calgary (24/7): 403-266-HELP (4357)
- Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-925-4419
- Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society (Crisis Line): 403-531-1976
- 211 Alberta: Dial 211
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.