A gold-plated rose, a cherished symbol of remembrance at a 9/11 memorial in Manhattan’s Church of St. Francis of Assisi, has been brazenly stolen, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.
Theft Shocks Church Community
In a brazen act that has left the Manhattan community reeling, a gold-plated rose was stolen from a 9/11 memorial at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The theft, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, has not only disrupted a symbol of great significance but also prompted expressions of grief and determination for justice within the affected community.
Gold-plated rose stolen from NYC 9/11 memorial honoring influential pastor https://t.co/vQKPhiCJGe
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 21, 2024
The stolen artwork, valued at approximately $3,000, was part of a memorial honoring 9/11 victims and featured pieces of steel from the World Trade Center wreckage. The memorial holds particular significance as it pays tribute to Father Mychal Judge, the church’s former pastor and a chaplain for the New York Fire Department, who lost his life during the 9/11 attacks.
New York City police are searching for a man accused of stealing a gold-plated rose worth around $3,000 from a Manhattan church memorial honoring the victims of 9/11https://t.co/0LWcofl3zx
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) November 21, 2024
Suspect Identified and Sought
Surveillance footage of the suspect has been released to help identify and locate him. The individual is known to church staff and had been asked to leave the premises multiple times, including twice on the day of the theft. This familiarity with the suspect has added to the community’s shock and disappointment.
“We’re grieved and saddened by this act of desecration,” said Father Brian Jordan, the current pastor of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
The suspect is wanted for grand larceny and had previously been removed from the church for what was described as “bizarre behavior.” Local authorities are keenly investigating, hoping to apprehend the suspect and ensure they receive necessary mental health support.
A Symbol of Remembrance
The stolen rose was part of a memorial that includes twisted steel from the World Trade Center wreckage, donated by a local ironworkers union 22 years ago. It is dedicated to Father Mychal Judge and parishioner Carole LaPlante, both victims of the 9/11 attacks. Father Judge was known for his devout dedication as a pastor and fire department chaplain, losing his life in the line of prayerful duty during the attacks.
“It wasn’t welded in,” Jordan explained, highlighting the ease with which the rose was removed.
The theft has not only disrupted a symbol of great communal significance but also prompted a response of both sadness and hope from church leadership. Father Jordan, while describing the act as “an act of desecration,” also expressed a willingness to forgive the thief if he shows remorse, stating, “I’ll forgive him if he’s sorry.”
Community Response and Call for Action
The public is encouraged to provide information to Crime Stoppers, with confidentiality assured. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community underscores the shared desire to see justice served and the memorial restored to its rightful state.
“We hope this troubled man turns himself to police and they in turn will send him to the nearest psychiatric facility so the healing process can begin,” Father Brian Jordan stated, emphasizing a compassionate approach to the situation.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of the gold-plated rose, a symbol that represents not just the memory of those lost on 9/11, but the resilience and unity of a nation in the face of tragedy.