‘DARKEST EVIL:’ Bishop decries alleged attack on Mahanoy chapel; suspect denied bail
MAHANOY CITY – The Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown is calling the detonation of an “explosive device” at a Mahanoy City chapel an act of the “darkest evil” as police say it caused $15,000 in damage.
Kyle Joseph Kuczynski, 32, of East Centre Street, was denied bail as he faces felony arson and reckless burning charges among others.
According to Mahanoy City Police, he set off an “explosive device” inside the chapel at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish on West Mahanoy Street Tuesday night. The chapel is open 24 hours a day for parishioners.
Police responded and found heavy smoke and what appeared to be gunpowder inside along with miscellaneous debris strewn about.
Plaques were thrown off the wall and there were holes in the altar and stained glass windows, police said in a criminal complaint.
Kuczynski was seen on security cameras entering the chapel around 9pm, placing an explosive on the altar and lighting the fuse.
He was later arrested at his home.
Police said the damage to the stained glass was estimated at at least $15,000.
Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert called it an act of “the darkest evil” and thanked God no injuries were reported.
“At the same time, I am heartbroken that such a heinous, hateful, and evil act occurred at St. Teresa of Calcutta,” Schlert said. “This act of religious hate is an affront to the long and devout history of faith among the people of Mahanoy City.”
Kuczynski is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison without bail, citing public safety risks.
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