Meng Condemns Vandalism Of Nearly 110-Year-Old Church Statue In Queens
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today condemned the vandalism of the Blessed Mother statue at the St. Andrew Avellino parish in Flushing, Queens.
The nearly 110-year-old statue had its right hand broken off and an attempt to remove the left hand was made as well. The statue has been a part of the parish since 1914.
“The vandalism of the Blessed Mother statue at St. Andrew Avellino is both a disgusting and deeply saddening act,” said Meng. “Not only has this statue been a part of the community for some 11 decades, but it has also served as an adorning addition to this parish, its congregants, and passers-by. There is never a reason to deface property, let alone a beloved statue at a place of worship. I hope the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and charged for this deplorable act.”
The vandalism is believed to have occurred at some point late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The NYPD’s 109th Precinct is investigating the incident. Congresswoman Meng has been in contact with the church and will continue to monitor the situation.