Shotgun Blasts Damage Church In Jamesburg, New Jersey
JAMESBURG, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police said at least two shotgun blasts pierced the front door, and a hanging banner above it, at the St. James Roman Catholic Church in Jamesburg, New Jersey this past weekend.
It was a shocking and nerve-wrenching sight for parishioners there.
"I feel that this is a desecration," one parishioner said. "This is a house of God. This is a house of worship."
Early Sunday morning around 2 a.m., neighbors in the area said they heard a loud noise, but did not see anything.
"It sounded as if it was like a cannon, like something that you would hear, like, I guess on TV," said Heba Hassan.
In the light of day, around 7 a.m., church workers arriving for mass noticed buckshot holes in a heavy oak door. Some penetrated through the door and into the foyer, piercing a picture of the bishop and sending glass shattering.
"Everybody's in shock that this happened," said the Rev. Michael Fragoso, pastor of the church. "They can't explain this happening here in town."
Despite the damage, no injuries were reported. CBS2 is told that fortunately, the church was empty at the time.
But the questions, of course, are many. Who would do such a thing and why?
"We have no idea if it was simply a random incident, if it's a bias incident, if it's just criminal mischief," said Jamesburg police Chief Martin Horvath.
Jamesburg police were investigating late Monday. They said they do not have a motive for what happened at the church, and no arrests have been made.
Police also said no threats have been reported against the church or the pastor.
"It breaks my heart to see something like that," said church worker and parishioner Patty Bisignano.
The pastor believes the shooting was not a drive-by, and that the shooter got out of a vehicle to fire at the church.