Authorities in Wichita, Kansas, are investigating a possible hate crime after a Catholic church named after St. Patrick was vandalized with extensive damage, including a Satanic message.

Police arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the incident, but the investigation remains ongoing.

The attack on St. Patrick Catholic Church included the beheading of a statue of St. Patrick, shattered candles and windows, and the burning of an American flag. A Satanic website was also scrawled on the church’s wall, according to a statement from the Catholic Conference of Kansas.

“This is the face of evil,” the Catholic Conference said in response to the vandalism. The organization also noted that the same type of group behind the website is planning a Satanic worship ritual at the Kansas State Capitol on March 28.

The damage prevented church members from holding services on Saturday, the conference stated, sharing photos of the destruction.

“This is the hate crime scene at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita. After forcing their way inside, statues were destroyed, glass smashed, and other extensive damage exacted upon this sacred space,” the Catholic Conference said.

The Wichita Police Department confirmed it is working with federal authorities in a “full-scale investigation.” Officers arrested the suspect, identified as Michael Angel Gonzalez, at 2:20 a.m. Sunday. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of burglary, criminal desecration, and criminal damage to property.

Police say the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County district attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charges.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan condemned the attack, calling it “disgusting” and emphasizing that all places of worship should be respected.

“It doesn’t matter what denomination. People should feel safe there, and they should feel that it’s a place that would be respected,” Sullivan said.

Despite the vandalism, the church congregation, which is predominantly Hispanic, went ahead with its St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“This afternoon, I attended the St. Patrick Catholic Church St. Paddy’s Day parade, where the congregation and the community came together in celebration,” Sullivan said. “Their resilience was evident, especially after the heartbreaking burglary and vandalism that occurred yesterday.”

He also praised the quick arrest of the suspect.

“It was even more meaningful to know that the suspect responsible for this terrible act was taken into custody before sunrise, thanks to the swift and dedicated work of WPD officers. Great job to our team for getting him off the streets and behind bars!”

The investigation is ongoing.