Individual Vandalizes Christian Symbols in Mulhouse Church

A church in Mulhouse, France, was the target of vandalism on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when an individual entered the Saint-Étienne church and caused significant damage to religious artifacts. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM, while the church was empty.

The suspect, described as being shirtless and barefoot, first approached the altar, grabbed the cross, and threw it to the ground. The individual then overturned a vase on the altar, spilling water and flowers. Using the cross as a lever, the suspect proceeded to damage the doors of three confessionals. The entire episode lasted approximately five minutes.

Father Pascal Boulic, the parish priest, expressed his dismay, stating that the attacker "targeted Christian religious symbols." He noted that no theft was committed, suggesting the act was primarily anti-Christian. The church plans to file a complaint with the Mulhouse police.

Security camera footage captured the event, and the perpetrator fled the scene with a second individual. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities treating the incident as a religiously motivated attack.