Vandalism at St. Louis Cathedral: Statue Damaged by Heavy Equipment

A significant act of vandalism occurred at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis when a man used construction equipment to drop a heavy boom lift onto a notable sculpture known as the Angel of Harmony. This statue, which has been a fixture outside the cathedral for 25 years, depicts a Black angel protecting three children of different races. The incident took place on a Tuesday night, and the extent of the damage is still being assessed, with parts of the sculpture broken and the angel's wings appearing damaged. The Angel of Harmony, created by Polish sculptor Wiktor Szostalo, was installed in 1999 following Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis. The statue features over 100 wind chimes in its wings and includes children playing musical instruments. The pedestal is inscribed with meaningful quotes from the New Testament, Pope John Paul II, and Martin Luther King Jr. The local archbishop expressed hope for the statue's restoration, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diversity and unity. Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of a man tampering with construction equipment. Upon arrival, they discovered the statue had been knocked off its pedestal. The suspect, a 35-year-old man, was also reported to have fired a gunshot into an unoccupied vehicle, although the motive for this act remains unclear. Surveillance footage aided in identifying the suspect, who fled but was later apprehended with the help of a police dog. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and the preservation of cultural landmarks. As investigations continue, the community reflects on the significance of the Angel of Harmony and the message it conveys about unity and diversity in society.