Authorities are actively searching for a suspect who stole a gold-plated rose from a 9/11 memorial at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Manhattan on November 20, 2024. The rose honors Father Mychal Judge, a beloved priest who tragically lost his life during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The New York Police Department identified the suspect as 21-year-old Deikel Alcantara. Surveillance footage captured Alcantara entering the church on West 31st Street near Seventh Avenue around 2:30 p.m. and removing the rose without authorization. He fled shortly afterward, carrying the metal flower, which is valued at approximately $3,000.
Table of Contents
A Memorial of Hope Amid Tragedy
The stolen rose is part of a poignant monument within the church. The centerpiece—a golden flower—rests on pieces of twisted steel beams salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. The memorial not only honors Father Mychal Judge, who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department, but also Carole LaPlante, a secular Franciscan and former parishioner who died in the attacks.
Father Judge is remembered for his bravery on 9/11, rushing to Ground Zero after the first plane struck the North Tower. As chaos unfolded, he prayed with victims and first responders. Tragically, he was struck by falling debris and became the first officially certified fatality of the attacks, designated as “Victim 0001.” His selfless actions remain a powerful symbol of faith and sacrifice.
A plaque on the monument describes the rose as transcending the “senseless brutality” of the attacks, offering “an enduring promise of hope.”
Church’s Reaction
Father Brian Jordan, the current pastor of St. Francis, expressed sorrow over the theft, describing it as an act of desecration. “The rose is more than its monetary value,” he said. “It signifies hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.”
Alcantara, who is reportedly known to church staff, had been asked to leave the premises several times, including twice on the day of the incident. Rev. Jordan emphasized the importance of addressing the suspect’s mental health, stating, “We hope he receives the psychiatric care he needs.”
Call for Assistance
The theft has been classified as grand larceny under New York law, which applies to stolen property worth over $1,000. The NYPD released images of Alcantara from surveillance footage, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Preserving a Sacred Legacy
As police work to recover the stolen rose, the Church of St. Francis remains resolute in its mission to honor the memory of 9/11 victims. The gold rose and its accompanying monument represent not only the tragedy of that day but also the enduring strength of a community bound by faith and hope.
For similar articles, visit our USA section.