Man breaks into St. George LDS Temple, vandalizes inside

May 11, 2018 Utah Channel 3

ST. GEORGE – Police were sent to the St. George LDS Temple early Saturday after a man broke in through a window and proceeded to damage furniture and artwork inside.

The man entered the temple around 5 a.m. and made it to the fifth floor, causing additional damage along the way, said Eric Hawkins, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The man was contained on the fifth floor by temple workers and was ultimately taken into custody by St. George Police officers.

St. George Police officer Lona Trombley confirmed the man was in police custody and that charges were pending.

The incident required the temple to be closed for a brief period, but it has since resumed normal operations.

The LDS church believes the temple to be the house of God and that regular attendance spiritually strengthens church members.

In order to attend the temple, church members must pass two separate interviews with church officials who establish they are “in good standing,” before being issued a temple recommend that must be displayed at the entrance of any temple before being allowed to enter.

This is a developing story.

Email: mkessler@stgnews.com

Twitter: @MoriKessler