Clergymen took cover and churchgoers hastily got out of their seats when a 16-year-old, armed with a gun, entered a Louisiana church during a first communion service over the weekend. Fortunately, brave parishioners acted swiftly, confronting the teenager and successfully ushering him out of the building.
A teenage boy was taken into custody following a report of a “suspicious individual” carrying a firearm near St Mary Magdalen Church. The Abbeville Police Department responded to the call around 10:30 am on Saturday.
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The authorities have taken him into custody for charges of causing terror and possessing firearms as a juvenile.
According to a statement from the church, a teenager armed with a gun entered the church during a first communion ceremony. Parishioners took action and confronted the teen, leading to his removal from the church. The police arrived and took him into custody.
Approximately 60 children were present at the church during that period, all prepared to receive their first communion at the church service, as reported by KADN.
The church expressed gratitude to both parishioners and police officers for their swift action in ensuring the safety of everyone present during this alarming incident. Although it was undoubtedly a frightening experience for those in attendance, the church acknowledges the prompt response and appreciates their efforts.
During a livestream video of the church service, the associate pastor, Father Nicholas DuPré, found himself leading Mass amidst a chaotic scene. In the midst of his prayer, the sounds of scuffling, screaming, and shouting from the mostly off-camera crowd could be heard.
“We have apprehended a young man, and he is currently in police custody. Please remain calm and stay close to your child as you proceed cautiously.”
According to Liz Touchet, who witnessed the Mass, the first communion was progressing as usual until the police entered with their guns drawn.
“We were instructed to get down as people began frantically running to retrieve their children,” she recounted.
Following the arrest, law enforcement officers from Abbeville and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough search of the church premises. The primary objective was to ensure that there were no further threats and to verify that no individuals had been harmed during the incident, according to the police.
The police questioned the teenager in the presence of a parent before taking them to the Abbeville General Hospital Behavioural Medicine Center for a medical assessment.
In their statement, the church also mentioned that they have taken additional precautions by arranging for uniformed law enforcement to be present at all upcoming Masses. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution.
First communicants had the freedom to receive their first Holy Communion during any Mass of their choice throughout the entire weekend.
The church shared photos on their Facebook page the next day, showcasing the joyous moment when children returned to the church to receive their first communion.
Chief Mike Hardy of the Abbeville Police Department is leading the investigation, working closely with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and receiving support from the FBI.
