Anti-religious graffiti was found on the front door of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 360 Lenox Avenue in Harlem around 12:50 p.m. last Wednesday (Feb. 4), according to police. The suspect reportedly fled south on Lenox Avenue after tagging the building. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating, and no arrests have been made.
Police Release Photo Of Suspect
In a post on Facebook on Thursday, NYPD Crime Stoppers labeled the case "WANTED FOR A HATE CRIME" and shared surveillance stills of the person of interest. The post says the suspect ran south on Lenox Avenue after the incident and urges anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers hotline or submit tips through the department's tip portal.
What Police Say About The Suspect
The NYPD released an image of a person last seen wearing a neon yellow jacket, dark pants and a black winter hat, according to Patch. Patch reports the graffiti was written on the church's front door at around 12:50 p.m., and that the Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the inquiry. Investigators told Patch they are canvassing the area and reviewing nearby surveillance to identify the suspect.
How To Provide Tips
Officials say anyone with information can call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website. The NYPD also accepts anonymous tips via direct message on X at @NYPDTips, officials say.
Broader Trend In The City
The notice from NYPD comes as the city has seen a rise in bias-motivated incidents earlier this month, with the department reporting a sharp increase in certain types of hate crimes in January. Fox News summarized NYPD figures showing the department reviewed more hate-related incidents in January compared with the same month last year, and community groups have voiced alarm. Police and faith leaders say they are coordinating to increase vigilance around places of worship.
Legal Implications
Because the post characterizes the case as a hate crime, prosecutors could pursue enhanced charges if they find evidence the vandalism targeted the congregation's religion. New York law allows bias-motivated conduct to be charged with additional penalties beyond ordinary property damage, depending on the circumstances. For an overview of how the state's hate-crime statutes can affect charges and sentencing, see State Regs Today.
Police said they will continue reviewing video footage and canvassing the neighborhood to identify the individual pictured. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
