Baby Jesus Statue Stolen from Long Island Nativity Scene

A statue of Baby Jesus was stolen from a Nativity scene outside the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, Suffolk County, New York, sometime between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. The theft was discovered on January 1, 2026, prompting local officials to seek public assistance in recovering the statue.

Newsday

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina held a news conference to address the incident. Romaine expressed disappointment over the theft, labeling it an affront to Christianity and emphasizing the county's commitment to tolerance and acceptance of all religions. He urged the thief to return the statue, offering a clemency deal: "If you want to drop it off at the H. Lee Dennison Building, we won't detain anyone. We won't ask why. We'll just accept it back." Catalina echoed this sentiment, stating that the county was investigating the theft and considering whether it could be classified as an anti-Christian hate crime.

Newsday

Local authorities are actively reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the perpetrator and have called on the public to provide any information regarding the statue's whereabouts. The Nativity scene, which is set up annually, is donated by St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Farmingville.

Newsday

While officials have taken a compassionate approach in their plea for the statue's return, some community members have expressed concern over the implications of the theft. They argue that such acts undermine the values of respect and tolerance that the county promotes. The incident has sparked discussions about the significance of religious symbols in public spaces and the potential for hate crimes against religious communities.

Newsday

There are no significant discrepancies in the reports regarding the timeline of the theft or the responses from officials. However, the classification of the incident as a potential hate crime remains speculative, as no evidence has yet been presented to support this claim.

Newsday

• “We want Baby Jesus back!” — Edward P. Romaine, Suffolk County Executive

New York Post

• “an affront to Christianity.” — Kevin Catalina, Suffolk County Police Commissioner

Newsday

• “Just bring it back and return it,” — Edward P. Romaine, Suffolk County Executive

Newsday

The Suffolk County officials continue to hope for the safe return of the Baby Jesus statue, emphasizing a message of forgiveness and community involvement in resolving the matter.

New York Post