A Kansas church has been vandalized, with physical damage as well as the reported writing of a Satanic website address and the burning of a flag, with a suspect being arrested.

St. Patrick Catholic Church of Wichita announced on Facebook that it was the victim of a vandalism attack on Saturday morning, with that evening’s mass being canceled as a result.

“Our priests are safe,” explained the church. “We will keep you posted in regard to the scheduled events for this weekend and Mass tomorrow.”

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Photos posted by the public policy group Kansas Catholic Conference showed that the vandalism included breaking a statue, damaging candles and at least one window being smashed.

According to the KCC, a “Satanic website was scrawled on a wall,” with the group claiming that this was “the same type of group that will be holding a Satanic wordship ritual on the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol on March 28.”

“This is the face of evil,” they added.

For their part, the Wichita Police Department announced on Sunday that they had arrested a 23-year-old man from Saline County believed to be responsible for the damage, which included the burning of a United States flag.

The unnamed suspect was arrested without incident, then booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He was charged with Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Criminal Desecration.

When one commenter asked why a hate crime charge was not included, WPD replied that "Kansas doesn’t have a Hate Crime statute considered separate from other criminal statutes," adding that hate crimes charges are "considered later in the process and not something we can add when arresting an individual."

“This reprehensible act of vandalism will not be tolerated,” said WPD Chief Joe Sullivan, as quoted in the announcement. “Our officers and investigators worked tirelessly to bring this suspect to justice.”

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff, civilian and commissioned. Our commitment to protecting every member of this community remains unwavering.”

According to a report released by the conservative Christian organization the Family Research Council in February 2024, there were over 400 attacks against churches in 2023, which was over twice the number reported by the group in 2022.

From January through November 2023, the FRC report found at least 315 acts of vandalism, 75 acts of arson or attempted arson, 10 gun-related incidents, 20 bomb threats and 37 other incidents at churches.

"Although the motivations for many of these acts of hostility remain unknown, the effect is unmistakable: religious intimidation. They send the message that churches are not wanted in the community or respected in general,” said Arielle Del Turco, author of the report, in a statement at the time.

“Our culture is demonstrating a growing disdain for Christianity and core Christian beliefs, and acts of hostility against churches could be a physical manifestation of that. Regardless of the motivations of these crimes, everyone should treat churches and all houses of worship with respect and affirm the importance of religious freedom for all Americans."