Isla Vista Church Vandalized

Chapel Door Shattered, Black Lives Matter Signs Stolen

Black Lives Matter signs at St. Michael's were stolen in the weeks before the chapel door was vandalized.

The chapel door to St. Michael's Church was shot at last Thursday night.

The Isla Vista Foot Patrol is investigating vandalism that occurred last Thursday night at St. Michael’s Church, the UCSB-affiliated Episcopal church on Picasso Road. At the scene, a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputy and a UC Police Department Officer discovered what appear to be two bullet holes, which had shattered the chapel’s glass entry door. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there were no known witnesses and no suspects have been identified.

As stated in a press release from St. Michael’s, the act of violence comes only weeks after the church began to display signs in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Because the signs have been repeatedly stolen, congregation leaders consider Thursday’s vandalism connected to the previous acts of vandalism.

In the meantime, anyone with information is asked to call the Isla Vista Foot Patrol at (805) 681-4179 or the Sheriff’s anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4179.