The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation after a Catholic school in Southern California was broken into and heavily vandalized in what church leaders are calling one of the worst attacks they have ever seen.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that its Civil Rights Division would investigate the desecration of Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced the move on X, writing, “The @CivilRights will open an investigation into this awful crime.”

According to school officials, intruders broke into the school’s assembly hall, chapel, and classrooms, leaving behind extensive damage and heartbreak. Statues were smashed, images of the Virgin Mary and other religious figures were destroyed, and a photograph of the pope was knocked to the floor. Even more disturbing, vandals reportedly defecated on school grounds and left behind partially eaten food and drinks — evidence authorities say could allow for DNA testing as they search for suspects.

Local law enforcement, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has been contacted, and investigators estimate the damage at roughly $100,000, according to Fox 11.

Pro-life activist Lila Rose, president of the organization Live Action, called the attack especially chilling. Statues smashed. Images of Our Lady destroyed. The tabernacle thrown to the floor,” she wrote. “This is one of the worst cases of vandalism the local bishop has ever seen. Hatred of Christ only destroys hearts. Pray for this school.”

Members of the Holy Innocents community say the spiritual impact of the vandalism goes far beyond the damage to property. School principal Cyril Cruz told Fox 11 that seeing sacred objects desecrated was deeply traumatizing. “It’s not just the material things,” Cruz said. “It’s the heart behind the things. Evil is out there, so we need to pray.”

Church leaders echoed that sentiment, describing the attack as unprecedented in its severity. Bishop Mark Trudeau said it was the worst case of vandalism he has seen in the region, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched to help the school recover.

That fundraiser has already raised nearly $60,000, a sign of widespread support for the school as it begins the long process of healing and rebuilding. As the investigation moves forward, many in the Christian community are responding not only with donations, but with prayers — asking for justice, protection, and peace in the face of what they see as a deeply painful act of hatred.