During a First Communion mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, a teenager dressed in black and armed with a rifle entered the church. The incident occurred amidst a service attended by approximately 60 children. Quick-acting parishioners subdued and pinned the rifle-bearing teen to the ground until police arrived and took him into custody
The incident escalated when the teenager suggested the presence of an accomplice, leading police to interrupt the mass to inform the priest and conduct a thorough search of the church to ensure everyone’s safety.
USA
An anti Catholic terrorist was arrested after entering a Catholic Church with a rifle, intending to massacre children and families during a First Holy Communion ceremony in Abbeville, Louisiana pic.twitter.com/5MI36mq20t
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) May 12, 2024
The suspect was subsequently arrested and faced charges including terrorizing the church and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
He was then questioned at the Abbeville Police Department, while a parent accompanied him. Later he was taken to Abbeville General Hospital’s behavioral unit for evaluation. The FBI is also involved in the investigation.
Despite the disruption, the communion service continued. The Church announced that there would be police protection at upcoming masses out of an abundance of caution. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident.
Watch this local news report recap the events that occurred on Monday
Another Catholic Church attacked: Teen gunman apprehended at Catholic Church in Abbeville, La. where 60 children were preparing for First Holy Communion. pic.twitter.com/zrZxEbqlRa
— Slim Wiggy🇺🇸 (@SlimWiggy) May 13, 2024