Visitors defaced a sacred site in Sedona and now the feds want to find them
Federal authorities are looking for a group of people who damaged the protected Cathedral Rock area in Arizona.
It is a place where people go to find peace and connect with the land. Now, that sense of peace has been broken by a group that chose to leave their mark on a site held sacred by Native American tribes.
What happened
U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers are currently investigating an act of vandalism at Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. The site is a well-known landmark within the Coconino National Forest.
Witnesses reported seeing a group of Indian nationals defacing the rock formations. The damage has caused significant anger among locals and visitors who view the area as a protected cultural site.
Federal agents have released information asking for the public's help to identify the people involved. They are reviewing evidence to determine the extent of the damage and the identities of those responsible.
What the evidence shows
- The incident took place at the Cathedral Rock trail area.
- The suspects are described as a group of Indian nationals.
- The U.S. Forest Service is leading the official investigation.
- The site is considered sacred by local Native American tribes.
- Federal law prohibits the defacement of natural features on public lands.
The bigger question
Why do some visitors feel entitled to leave their mark on places that belong to everyone? We have to ask if our current rules for public lands are enough to stop people from destroying history for a photo or a souvenir.
The other side
No official statement has been released by the individuals involved or their representatives at this time. Without a response from the accused, it is difficult to know if this was a deliberate act of malice or a misunderstanding of local land rules.
What happens now
This investigation serves as a reminder that public lands are not playgrounds for destruction. If caught, those responsible could face federal charges, fines, or a ban from national forests.
What we still don't know
- How much will it cost to repair the damage to the rock face?
- Are the individuals still in the United States?
- What specific tools or materials were used to deface the site?
Transparency notes
Published: May 24, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.