Prosecutors alleged that handwritten notes mentioning suicide and threats indicated that the 20-year-old was gearing up for a “violent incident” when he attempted to bring a loaded firearm into a Catholic church in Sacramento on Ash Wednesday.
A federal indictment revealed that, on the morning of February 18, Brian Girardot Jr. had dropped off a younger relative at St. Mary’s Parish School and returned shortly after, this time with a gun.
Giraldot, who had previously attended the school, then attempted to enter the church during an all-school mass.
He was disarmed and taken into custody after a parent watchdog—who was also an off-duty police officer—observed a “suspicious adult male approaching the front of the church” and intervened, according to a statement from St. Mary Parish.
In addition, authorities discovered extra ammunition and a camouflage jacket in Giraldo’s car, parked not far from the church, as stated in the indictment.
“Thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of the parent volunteers, children remained safely inside the church throughout the Mass and a potential crisis was averted,” the school noted. “None of the students had contact with this man and were unaware of the situation taking place outside.”
Law enforcement later searched Giraldo’s residence and discovered a collection of handwritten notes in his bedroom that included threats and references to suicide. One of these notes addressed to three relatives stated, “You are the reason I did this.”
Prosecutors indicated that the notes, among other evidence, demonstrated that Giraldo was “preparing for violent events.”
He has been charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone, as announced by U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. Additionally, Giraldo faces charges in state court.
If found guilty, he could potentially face up to five years in prison.
