Thousands of children gathered at a Louisiana church over the weekend to receive their first Communion. Unbeknownst to the innocent people and their parents, a hooded teenager wearing all black was making his way in with a rifle. However, a few parishioners were able to save the children inside from the obvious evil outside.
Abbeville Police Department
shown Around 10:35 a.m. Saturday, police received a report of a suspicious person with a gun at St. Mary Magdalene Church. The 16-year-old suspect attempted to enter the Catholic church through the back door.
police and church
Confirmed When the suspect opened the door, he was “immediately encountered by parishioners who took him outside and the police were called.”
When police arrived on the scene less than a minute later, they found the suspect unarmed and pinned to the ground by multiple parishioners.
report Defender of Arcadiana.
After the suspect indicated there was a second gunman near the building, APD officers and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies swept the area for further threats and evacuated the church.
Footage excerpted from a livestream of the Mass shows an individual approaching the sanctuary and informing the officiant, the Rev. Nicolas Dupré, of the situation.
Keeping calm, Fr. Mr. Dupré instructs the parish, “I would like everyone to take their seats for a moment,” and a short time later invites everyone to join in a prayer of consent.
Many people can be heard joining in the prayers, but some parishioners get worried and stand up, while others shout. Parents can be seen escorting their children to safety as law enforcement officers wearing bulletproof vests walk near the altar.
In the midst of the frenzy, officials shouted over the PA system: “Guys, grab your child. Go slowly. We have arrested a young man. He is in custody. He is under policy protection. Calm down.” Please come right away,” he announced. next to your child. ”
The church acknowledged that the evacuation “understandably caused panic.”
“We understand this was a frightening experience for those in attendance, but we are extremely grateful to both parishioners and police officers who acted quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.” said.
Said In a statement. “We invite all First Communion recipients to receive their First Communion at the Mass they choose to attend this weekend. Thank you for all your prayers for our community of St. Mary Magdalene .”
The church also announced that uniformed police officers will be present at all future Masses.
APD indicated the suspect was taken to Abbeville General Hospital’s behavioral unit for medical evaluation. He was later charged with two counts of terrorism and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Bishop J. Douglas Deschotel of the Diocese of Lafayette praised those responsible for thwarting a potential massacre.
“We thank God that a tragedy was averted at the First Communion Mass for the children of St. Mary Magdalene in Abbeville,” the bishop said.
Said In a statement. “The quick response of the Abbeville Police Department and vigilant parishioners is a great example of caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Let us pray for an end to this threat of violence against innocent lives. ”
The incident comes a week after a gunman targeted a pastor at a church in Pennsylvania. One month has passed since Islamic terrorists brutally murdered an Assyrian bishop in an Australian church. Then, a few months later, a crazed anti-Semite from El Salvador gunned down Joel Osteen’s Houston-area megachurch.
American churches have become popular targets for extremists of all stripes in recent years.
According to a recent report from the Family Research Council, there were at least 915 acts of hostility against the church in America between 2018 and 2023. The attacks range from vandalism and arson to bomb threats.
St. Mary Magdalene Church
shared a prayer The day after the incident, he posted on Facebook, “Holy Spirit, Comforter of hearts, heal the wounds of your people and transform their brokenness into wholeness. We pray for the courage and wisdom, humility and grace to act with justice. Please infuse our prayers with wisdom. Give us all that we have through Christ so that those harmed by the threat of violence may find peace in justice. I pray for this, amen. ”
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