By Abigail Ogle

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NORMAN, Oklahoma (KOCO) – A Native American Methodist church in Oklahoma said it was repeatedly targeted and left with thousands of dollars in damage.

The Reverend who spoke with KOCO 5 said that until the suspects are arrested, some do not feel comfortable returning to church.

The first American United Methodist in Norman has been repeatedly vandalized. The church believes the suspects were looking for money, but instead the intruders only left with candy, crisps and left $10,000 in damage behind.

Reverend Justine Wilson told KOCO 5 she believed the suspects were leaving a statement for the church.

“When we found the butcher knife stabbed in our table, a lot of our church members didn’t feel comfortable having elders here, having children here. Active shooter stuff in churches that people are concerned about. When they see a butcher knife on the table, they must be wondering if we’re next,” Wilson said.

The church has since added security cameras around the building.

The church had raised funds in honor of Chief Kelly Haney, a former state legislator, tribal leader and church member. It was his dream to have a new shrine but now the money that was collected is being used to repair the damage.

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