Police ask for public’s help in identifying 'rowdy' crowd suspected in Morristown church vandalism probe

Police are trying to determine if a vandalized sign at the Church of the Redeemer is a bias crime.

Lanette Espy

May 30, 2023, 4:28 PM

Updated 576 days ago

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Police are looking for help in identifying a "rowdy and destructive" group of people seen around the time a church lawn sign was vandalized in Morristown a week ago.
A sign that reads “All Are Welcome” at the Church of the Redeemer was cut in half hours after Pride flags were put on display. Police are trying to determine if it was a bias crime.
Police say a group of seven men and three women were seen walking east on South Street on May 20 around 1:30 a.m. Police say the group damaging multiple signs until leaving the area in two cars parked on Dumont Place.
The church displayed Pride flags for a member of the congregation who recently died. The vandalism occurred just days before the start of Pride Month.
“It’s disheartening knowing that there is somebody who doesn’t appreciate who we are and what we do. But, historically now, for decades, Redeemer has been a voice for the voiceless. It’s been a place where everyone knows that they are welcomed. What this says to us, is that we have more work to do,” said Rev. Cynthia Black.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Morristown police 973-COP-CALL or contact the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at www.copcall.org.