Worshippers in Louisiana Stop Armed Teenager from Entering Church with Children
A 16-year-old suspect armed with a rifle has been prevented from entering a church full of children by worshippers during a livestreamed service in Louisiana, according to authorities.
The boy attempted to enter the St Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville through the back door on Saturday at around 10:30 am (4:30 pm UK time), as reported by the police.
A livestream of the incident, viewed by Sky News’ partner outlet NBC News, showed a man approaching Reverend Nicholas DuPre after 48 minutes to whisper something. Rev DuPre then stopped the service and asked churchgoers to pray with him, while there was panic and screaming heard in the background.
Approximately 60 children were inside the church waiting to take their first Holy Communion when worshippers confronted the armed suspect.
The Louisiana Catholic church stated that they escorted him outside before contacting the police.
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On the livestream, police officers were seen walking through the church as boys ran across the altar and the clergy sought shelter, as reported by NBC News.
Someone announced over a loudspeaker: “Guys, just get ahold of your children, go slowly. We did apprehend a child, he is in custody.” In a statement, the Abbeville Police Department mentioned that upon arrival, officers arrested the suspect and searched the church.
The teenager was charged with terrorizing the church and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile, according to the police. Witnesses told TV station KADN that he was dressed in all black and armed with the rifle.
Police chief Mike Hardy expressed gratitude to the churchgoers who intervened for their “quick response and remaining calm throughout this matter.”
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The church has announced plans to have uniformed law enforcement officers present outside of its masses “out of an abundance of caution.”
