Maple Grove Police Seek Suspect in Anti-Gay Vandalism at Church

Who is this man in a wheelchair throwing eggs at Pilgrims United Church of Christ in Maple Grove?

Maple Grove police are asking for the public's help in identifying the man captured by surveillance video who they consider him a suspect in a series of vandalism incidents at the church, several news organizations have reported. 

The latest incident was Sunday at 9:50 a.m., when Maple Grove police took a report of eggs thrown at the church's front door and graffiti on the building's siding, according to the Press & News. The messages on the wall made reference to homosexuality. 

In surveillance video, police saw a suspect in a wheelchair outside the building, although the Press & News reported it wasn't clear if the suspect actually needed the wheelchair. 

“'Obviously, we’re looking at a crime of sexual orientation, especially given recent events in our state," said Maple Grove Police Captain Keith Terlinden, according to WCCO-TV. 

A church moderator said similar incidents on June 2 and June 30 this year. came at times when marriage-equality issues were in the news according to Fox 9. The Maple Grove Police Department is investigating the incidents as bias-motivated crime based on sexual orientation, Fox 9 reported. 

“'It’s our belief that once the video is released and the suspect is seen there are some clear indicators that will allow someone to call us in a relatively short timeline which will help to help us identify the suspect in this case,' Terlinden said, according to Channel 12. Vandalism has included graffiti with Bible verses that appeared to carry an anti-gay message.

If you recognize the suspect in the video, the Maple Grove Police Department asks that you call them.

See an eight-minute clip of the surveillance video posted by BringMeTheNews.com and ECM Publishers. 

• Hate-Filled Act' at Pilgrims United Church of Christ
• More Vandalism at Pilgrims United Church of Christ