Local churches hit by vandals

Unclear if vandalims cases are related

SAN ANTONIO – At least four churches have been tagged by vandals in the past week, according to two people KSAT spoke to on Monday.

One of the churches hit on Monday was Gethsemane Lutheran Church.

The bold black letters were posted at the church's front entrance. The hate-filled message read "No To Wall, Islam or Die," and was followed by a symbol.

Pastor Eric Miletti believes it could be a symbol of terrorism.

"The only thing that comes close to that, and again I'm not an expert, is the terror flag of the Islamic State," Miletti said.

The same symbol was found just over a mile away at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.

"It's a very sad day. People come here to worship in freedom and I'm sure the people that did this want to worship in freedom as well. There’s not a problem worshiping your freedom, just don't tag my church," said parishioner Mike Aleman.

Aleman was tasked with washing away the graffiti. He said he's had to clean three different churches in the past week.

"One was a Baptist church, and I believe the other one was a Lutheran church," Miletti said.

Miletti said he has notified San Antonio police. He's also asking anyone with information to come forward and report it.

"We don't play with this. If it's someone trying to send a hatred message, we don't do that in the church, not in any Christian church," Miletti said.


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