Harlem Chapel vandalized: NYPD investigates suspect

The New York City Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating after a church in Harlem was vandalized earlier this month. Authorities said a man spray-painted “anti-religious” graffiti on the front door of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 360 Lenox Avenue, on the corner of 128th Street, around 12:50 p.m. on February 4.

After defacing the church, the suspect fled the scene, heading downtown on Lenox Avenue. The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force, which handles incidents involving potential bias or prejudice, is asking the public for help identifying the individual.

No arrests have been made, but police have released a photo of the suspect, last seen wearing a neon yellow jacket, dark pants, and a black winter hat. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or via X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips.