For those who want to hear a tune about the mathematician, they can check out Science Acapella's rendition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZXHoWwBcDc
The crusader could have been a distraction to cover up their real target. Perhaps for math-musical magic.
I don't see why it couldn't be some scummy teens. Crowbars aren't hard to acquire, though I don't know what other "tools" were required.
Yeah, I despise vandals as well.