A Catholic church in Louisiana recently faced a nightmare scenario when an armed teenager stormed into the sanctuary where dozens of children sat. The church service was filled with roughly 60 children who were set to take their first Holy Communion.
Reportedly, the armed 16-year-old was wearing all black and tried to enter the St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville through the back door. However, several churchgoers were able to stop the individual and prevent him from enacting any harm.
According to a press release from Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy, the suspect was “confronted” by the parishioners and promptly escorted off the premises. The statement read, “On Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:35am, the Abbeville Police Department received a call of a suspicious person with a gun at the St Mary Magdalen Church.”
The message continued, “The person was confronted by parishioners and escorted outside. Upon arrival, Officers arrested the suspect and placed him in custody. Officers with the Abbeville Police Department and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office made a sweep through the church to ensure there was no additional threat and confirmed that no one was injured.”
The authorities further noted that upon being detained, the teenager was taken in for questioning, where he faces several charges. Furthermore, the individual will undergo medical evaluation in the local behavioral unit at Abbeville General Hospital.
“The suspect was transported to the Abbeville Police Department and questioned with his parent present.
The suspect, a 16 year old white male was interviewed by Officers and then transported to Abbeville General Hospital Behavioral Unit to be medically evaluated. He is being charged with Terrorizing and 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile,” the post stated.
The police chief thanked the various law enforcement bodies that assisted in dealing with the incident at the church. The matter is still under investigation, and anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact the authorities. Watch footage of the incident below:
“Chief Mike hardy would like to thank the FBI Staff for their assistance in the investigation. Chief Hardy would also like to thank the Deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Abbeville Police Department in the clearing of the church and all Clergy and Parishioners of St Mary Magdalen Church for their quick response and remaining calm throughout this matter. The incident is still under further investigation if anyone has any information please contact the police department. You can also call the tip line or message this Facebook page,” the statement concluded.
Users on social media commented under the Abbeville Police Department’s message, with one person praising God that the situation did not turn into something much worse. They said, “I just read this on the NBC News and I’m not from there and reading of what occurred most definitely a sad and scary situation to have happened! Thank you Lord for the amazing officers who arrived and took care of the suspect! I do hope he gets the help he needs! And thank you Lord that no one was hurt! We all know things could’ve been worse! Our Angels are the officers with Abbeville Police Department!”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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