The statue is in the Chapel of Condemnation at the beginning of the "Via Dolorosa."
An American tourist has been arrested for vandalizing a statue of Jesus on February 2. Around 8.30 a.m., the attack occurred at the Chapel of the Condemnation, inside the complex of the Flagellation Sanctuary, in the Old City of Jerusalem, at the beginning of the “Via Dolorosa.”
According to the police, an American tourist entered the chapel, toppled the statue of Jesus, and then smashed its face. The doorman stopped the attack quickly and the police arrested the suspect.
According to a statement from the police:
The suspect arrested is an American tourist in his 40s, who vandalized and broke a statue in the church.
The suspect was taken to the David Precinct police station for questioning and the Israel Police opened an investigation into the circumstances of the case.
Concurrently, an evaluation is being held in order to determine suspect’s mental health.
The Chapel is under the jurisdiction of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.
