PROVO, Utah — Multiple windows of the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were broken Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 12, in an act of vandalism by a hammer-wielding man.
In a news release, the Provo Police Department said it received a report shortly after 3:30 p.m. that a man had used a hammer to smash out several windows near the temple’s front entrance.
While the suspect had fled the scene, police were able to use camera footage to obtain a partial license plate number and description of the vehicle. They located a suspect and booked a 30-year-old man in the Utah County Jail on a third-degree felony charge of property damage/destruction.
“Temples are places of gathering and sacred worship in an atmosphere of peace and safety,” said Irene Caso, a Church spokesperson, in a statement Wednesday, Dec. 13.
“We are saddened by the vandalism that occurred yesterday at the Provo Utah Temple but are grateful no one was injured and that operations were not affected. Local authorities are investigating, and the Church is working closely with them. Questions regarding this vandalism should be directed to local law enforcement.”
Operating since its 1972 dedication, the Provo Utah Temple is slated for redesign and reconstruction. It will close the end of the day on Feb. 24, 2024.
