Man arrested for vandalism, assault against a Catholic priest

A suspect has been charged with hate crimes after he allegedly assaulted a priest and two parishioners at a Catholic church in Michigan.

The incident in Marysville on May 4 comes shortly after the federal government under the Trump administration committed to combat anti-Christian threats in the nation.

Robert Beaton, 33, was seen throwing a rock through a stained-glass window at St. Christopher Catholic Church before Father James F. Arwady confronted him, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page. The suspect then allegedly attacked Arwady and two parishioners, causing injuries to the priest. 

“While specific details cannot be shared due to ongoing legal proceedings, Father James wants to assure everyone that he is recovering well and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from our Saint Christopher Parish Family,” the church posted on May 8. “Parish activities and liturgies will continue as scheduled. As we pray for Father James and our fellow parishioners who were present at this incident, let us also pray for the suspect – that he may experience a conversion of the heart and come to know the healing power of God’s mercy.” 

Beaton made derogatory statements about the Catholic Church during the altercation, local outlet The Times Herald reported shortly after the incident.  

“The victim committed a hate crime by using force and violence against the victim, who was wearing priest attire, and damaged church property,” stated the probable cause affidavit, obtained by The Times Herald. 

Beaton was charged with ethnic intimidation, malicious destruction of a building, and institutional desecration, The Times Herald reported. He was also charged with assault and battery and disturbing the peace. According to The Times Herald, Beaton waived his right to a preliminary examination during a hearing May 20 and was bound over to circuit court. No date has yet been set for his next court appearance.  

This comes shortly after the federal government recommitted to protecting religious liberty in the nation and ending anti-Christian bias within the federal government. At the first meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias” in April, Attorney General Pam Bondi said incidents of vandalism against churches will no longer be tolerated under the current administration. 

“Protecting Christians from bias is not favoritism, it’s upholding the rule of law and fulfilling the constitutional promise,” she said at the time.  

 
Representatives from St. Christopher Catholic Church declined The Lion’s request for further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings, and the Archdiocese of Detroit did not respond to requests for comment.