Four Men Deface Cathedral Rock: May 20 Incident Shocks Community

A tourist visiting Cathedral Rock, just southwest of Sedona, captured video evidence of vandalism occurring at 10 a.m. on May 20. The footage shows a group of four young men defacing the iconic red rocks.

After hiking to the first bench, the tourist noticed the vandalism taking place and immediately contacted both the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Red Rock Ranger Station.

The video consists of three clips, one vertical and two horizontal. The original footage was edited for clarity, creating a cohesive narrative of the incident.

“Four men, likely college-aged, were loud, laughing, and seemed unbothered by their actions,” the witness reported. “They weren’t even trying to hide it and seemed aware that I was filming them.”

One suspect wore a black hat featuring the Texas Christian University logo. This detail could assist others in identifying him, though it does not confirm his affiliation with the university.

Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at (928) 771-3260 or Silent Witness at (800) 932-3232.

Vandalism of natural features in National Forests is a federal offense under Code of Federal Regulations Title 36. This includes damaging any natural property of the United States, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

This issue is not new; in 2016, actress Vanessa Hudgens faced legal repercussions for carving her initials into a rock in the Coconino National Forest. This illustrates the ongoing battle against such destructive behaviors.

The witness described the situation, noting how many other visitors simply looked away while the vandalism occurred. “It was alarming to see people’s discomfort,” she stated. “Their behavior created a tense atmosphere.”

She recounted feeling helpless and unsafe as she filmed the incident. “I thought they might react aggressively if I confronted them,” she added. With no immediate help from the authorities, she continued to document the vandalism until the group decided to leave.

Upon contacting law enforcement, the witness faced difficulties. Despite her attempts to report the crime quickly, she found herself transferred between various agencies without receiving the necessary assistance. “No one showed up,” she lamented, expressing frustration with the lack of urgency.

After realizing that law enforcement may not respond in time, she attempted to follow the suspects but was unable to catch up. “To my dismay, no one from the sheriff’s office or park rangers came,” she shared, highlighting her deep concern for the preservation of the area.

The witness later expressed gratitude to local news outlets for bringing attention to the incident and helping to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of vandalism in natural parks. “I hope for better protection for Cathedral Rock and its surroundings,” she said.