facebook-pixel

St. George Mormon temple reopens after an intruder broke a window, then damaged art, furniture

(Courtesy LDS Church) St. George Temple.

(Courtesy LDS Church) St. George Temple.

A man broke into the St. George LDS Temple early Saturday morning by smashing a window. He then damaged artwork and furniture inside before being arrested.

After entering the temple at about 5 a.m., he made it to the fifth floor, where he caused additional damage, said Eric Hawkins, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“He was contained by temple workers (no physical restraint was required) until police arrived, and he was arrested,” Hawkins said in a statement.

The temple was closed to address the damage after the break-in, but resumed normal operations by 11 a.m.

LDS temples are considered houses of God, places where Mormons can participate in their religion’s highest ordinances, including eternal marriage. Only members in good standing are allowed to enter.

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.