Columbia restaurant broken into, vandalized

Cafe Berlin was closed Sunday after an apparent break-in overnight.

The restaurant posted on its Facebook page along with pictures showing the severity of the damage done inside. The pictures show items thrown about in the kitchen and behind the bar area.

As of 2 p.m., employees were still at the restaurant cleaning up.

Cafe Berlin later released the following statement on its Facebook page:

“To those responsible for last night’s destruction, for those grieving, angered, and scared by this action, and for those who already know what it’s like to be targets of violence, we respond as we always have AS A COMMUNITY with LOVE, PERSEVERANCE and SOLIDARITY. This event has reminded us once again how important spaces of community organization and togetherness are and the work it takes to protect and maintain them. We will not be intimidated or discouraged. The outcry of support and care has filled us with love and motivation to continue to practice nurturance, creativity, and quick effective responses to hate and violence. Thank you to everyone who has offered support in all their forms: words, pizzas, tears, coffee, hugs, full trash bags and full hearts-WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU!”

The restaurant announced Sunday afternoon it planned to open for the 8 p.m. musical performance as well as for brunch Monday morning.