(PITTSBURGH, PA, 7/19/25) – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the recent vandalism of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish’s Saint Elisabeth of Hungary Church in Baldwin, which included hateful anti-Catholic and antisemitic graffiti.
The graffiti was discovered on Friday and reportedly occurred between July 8 and 9. The defaced areas included a statue of the Virgin Mary, a plaque on the bell tower, and the door of a former convent on the property. The FBI has opened an investigation into the incident as a possible hate crime.
SEE: FBI Investigating Vandalism at Baldwin Church
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“We are deeply disturbed by this cowardly and hateful act targeting a sacred space in our region. No faith community should ever have to face this kind of hatred. We stand in full solidarity with our Catholic and Jewish neighbors and welcome the FBI’s investigation into this incident. Hate has no place in Pittsburgh—or anywhere.”
Mohamed urged community leaders of all faiths to utilize the guidance provided in CAIR’s “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities secure. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
She added that CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-Pittsburgh urges anyone with information related to this incident to contact local law enforcement or the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@cair.com