VIDEO: man smashes statue of the Virgin Mary at Catholic church in Long Island City

The bells seem to toll in mourning.

For the second time, a church in Queens has been vandalized. The New York City Police Department is searching for a suspect who was caught on video Saturday approaching a statue of the Virgin Mary and knocking it to the ground.

“It’s uncalled for; you don’t expect this,” parishioner Catherine Murphy told News 4.

The incident took place at St. Rita Church, located at 36-25 11th Street in Long Island City. Parishioners celebrated the church’s 125th jubilee on Wednesday, but with outrage over the attack.

“It’s shocking, because we walk by here and we don’t know who’s standing next to us to do the damage they just did to the church, coming here to do damage simply for the sake of it,” said Carmen González, a parishioner.

Has this happened before?

Police have classified the incident as a hate crime, with a task force now investigating. But it’s not the first time it has occurred.

Last November, it is unknown if the same person vandalized an image of Saint Anthony and left writing on the floor.

This has created tension among those who frequent the church.

“It is truly regrettable for us believers that the image of the Virgin Mary was attacked in such a grotesque way,” said César Colindres. “Of course, it affects us, and seeing these acts of violence is truly awful.”

According to a priest from St. Rita’s, it is disconcerting that people could carry out an attack of this kind.

Concern grows over attacks on the Catholic faith

For now, indignation is growing within the community, which does not understand how the faith is being attacked in this way, especially in a parish with so many community outreach programs.

“Those are kids who don’t believe in God and others who are addicted to drugs, why would they harm the church?” said Margarita, a local parishioner.