QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — A vandal draped in the Pride rainbow flag is accused of spray-painting “cult” messages at three Christian churches in Queens, according to police and sources.
The suspect, whose face was covered with a rainbow facemask, allegedly scribbled “cult” or “anti-gay cult” at the houses of worship in Far Rockaway on Oct. 5, sources said.
The spree began at around 1:40 a.m. at The Refuge Church of Christ at 18-37 Mott Ave., where investigators found “anti-gay cult” written in black spray paint on the facade of the church, cops said.
Less than five minutes later, the City of Oasis Church of Deliverance at 18-74 Mott Ave. was vandalized with the same message on the front door, police said.
“Welcome cult members” was spray-painted at the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church located at 19-20 New Haven Ave. at 2 a.m., according to sources and police. The faces of two religious statues were also defaced, cops said.
Police are searching for a suspect in connection with three churches that were vandalized in Queens on Oct. 5, 2025. (Credit: NYPD)
The suspect got away on a Citi Bike, police said.
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incidents. There have been no arrests.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.
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