A church in Lauderdale Lakes was the victim of a vicious vandalism attack, as a man went on a rampage yesterday morning, targeting the All Nations New Testament Church of God Fellowship, church leaders are still grappling with the destruction. Bishop Evan Grant toured the premises with Local 10 News' Terrell Forney, highlighting the extensive damage done to the property that includes shattered impact windows, forced open doors, and even a broken iron fence surrounding the sanctuary located at 4351 W. Oakland Park Blvd; Grant revealed to Local 10 News the assailant's fury against the church's infrastructure.
Caught in the act by surveillance footage, the suspect was seen wielding a large object, likely a microphone stand, smashing through church property while panicked members and leaders were gathered inside for a routine prayer, the commotion outside alerting them to the onslaught in progress, according to Local 10 News. Associate Pastor Haines Brown recounted her encounter to WSVN, "When I went out there, I saw this man who I’ve never seen before with an iron in his hand trying to destroy the shed that we have out there,” Brown said “I said ‘What are you doing?’ He said this place belongs to him and he wants to get inside."
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the distress call and subsequently arrested the unidentified man. In the interim, a GoFundMe page has been set up to solicit financial aid for the church to recover from the extensive damages wrought.
The aftermath of the attack was shown in a WSVN video interview, entailed footprint of the suspect trying desperately to gain entry into the main building, failing which, he vented his wrath on the back sheds where he tossed out distributed food like potatoes, associate pastor Brown vividly detailed the fear that ensued "We were so scared for our lives", In her recounting to WSVN, the damage to the church was extensive with multiple windows broken, and doors pried open. Pastor Grant, heartbroken by the incident, called it "the act of the enemy" and pleaded for help in replacing windows, doors, lights, and fixtures; interested donors can visit the church's GoFundMe page.
