A crucifix vandalized outside of a Brooklyn church and discovered Friday morning is being investigated by the NYPD as a possible hate crime, the Diocese of Brooklyn said. The wooden crucifix displayed at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, located in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, was found face down in the grass next to the school affiliated with the church.

Monsignor David Cassato, the parish's pastor, was walking to greet students around 8 a.m. Friday when he discovered the statue of Jesus Christ toppled from its position. The crucifix was installed more than 10 years ago in memory of Cassato's mother, diocese officials said. They plan to make repairs to the statue and return it to its post.