Police say a suspect was arrested this morning around 8:00 a.m. in connection with vandalism at the Church of the Gesu on the campus of Marquette University.
According to arrest logs, the suspect is a 29-year-old man who was charged last week with resisting and obstructing an officer.
Fr. Michael R. Simone, the pastor of the Church of the Gesu, tells TMJ4 the vandalism happened in both the upper and lower sanctuaries.
WATCH: Suspect arrested after vandalism at Church of the Gesu
The upper sanctuary just underwent a $10 million renovation.
Those renovations included replacing aging pews, repainting the ceilings, and installing new fire detection and security systems, among other improvements.
Photos of the damage show a broken statue, overturned tables, and candles scattered on the ground.
Officials with Marquette University released this statement about the vandalism incident:
"Marquette University was saddened to learn that early this morning, an individual not affiliated with the university vandalized and damaged property inside the Church of the Gesu, a sacred space for many in the Marquette community. The Marquette University Police Department has made an arrest in connection with this incident, and the investigation is ongoing. While the Church of the Gesu and Marquette are separately incorporated, we will support the parish as we always have, bonded by our Catholic, Jesuit tradition and a shared desire to serve God in all things."
Officials with the church say they do not believe this was an act of anti-Catholic violence.
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