LDS Church releases statement after man breaks into and vandalizes St. George Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement after a man breaks into and vandalizes the St. George, Utah Temple.

From LDS Church spokesman Eric Hawkins Saturday morning, May 12:

“At approximately 5:00 a.m. this morning (Saturday), an individual broke a window and entered the St. George Temple. He then proceeded to the fifth floor of the temple, damaging furniture, artwork and other items along the way. After causing additional damage on the fifth floor, he was contained by temple workers (no physical restraint was required) until police arrived and he was arrested.

The damage is being addressed, but has required the closure of the temple. We are hopeful that normal temple operations will resume later today.”

An update to the statement given at 10:30 a.m. said, “The temple has now resumed normal operation.”