Louisiana Church Incident: Teen with Gun Disrupts Children's Mass
An unsettling incident unfolded during a children's mass in a church in southern Louisiana as a 16-year-old teenager entered armed with a gun, causing a disruption. The peaceful celebration of children's first communion was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected intrusion, church officials and police reported.
A 16-year-old boy armed with a gun interrupted a mass celebrating a group of children's first communion at a church in southern Louisiana on Saturday, according to the church and police.
The incident took place at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. While the mass was ongoing, a "suspicious person" entered through the back door of the church. Parishioners quickly approached the individual, escorted him outside, and alerted the authorities, as stated by the church in a message to its community.
Authorities were called to the church to investigate a report of a suspicious person with a gun. The teen was taken into custody by the Abbeville Police Department.
After being questioned at the police station with a parent present, the suspect was then brought to a hospital behavioral unit for a medical evaluation as per police officials.
The teen has been charged with "terrorizing" and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile, as confirmed by the police.
Father Nicholas DuPré, the associate pastor, was seen leading the church service in a video that was streamed online. During the mass, someone approached the altar and interrupted him mid-prayer to whisper in his ear.
In the video, some parishioners sitting in the front pews seemed concerned and turned around to look towards the back of the church.
DuPré asked everyone to sit down and join him in saying the Hail Mary prayer together. A group of male parishioners walked along the center and front aisles of the church, often looking towards the back of the room, as seen in the video.
After the suspect was caught, the church's message mentioned that law enforcement went inside to ensure there was no more danger. This understandably led to panic among the congregation.
As the incident unfolded, a parishioner approached the altar to whisper in the ear of associate pastor Father Nicholas DuPré.
As the incident unfolded, a parishioner approached the altar to whisper in the ear of associate pastor Father Nicholas DuPré.
At St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, the scene unfolded as parishioners started to rise from their seats. Despite the priest's continued prayers, his voice was drowned out by the noise of the crowd. Suddenly, an armed law enforcement officer, clad in a bulletproof vest, made an entrance at the back of the sanctuary. In response, the priest and deacon quickly sought cover behind the altar. Meanwhile, altar boys hurriedly crossed the sanctuary one by one.
As the crowd started to panic, a voice over the PA system reassured everyone, "Just stay close to your child. Take it slow. We have caught the young man and he is now in custody. Please remain calm and stay with your child as you exit slowly."
The church statement expressed gratitude to both parishioners and police officers for their swift actions in ensuring the safety of everyone present during the frightening incident.
The church announced that uniformed officers will be present at all future masses as a precautionary measure. The statement mentioned the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.
Abbeville Police Chief Mike Hardy expressed gratitude to the clergy and parishioners for their prompt response and for staying calm during the incident.
The FBI is assisting investigators, as confirmed by the church. CNN has reached out to the police and the FBI for additional details.
CNN has also contacted St. Mary Magdalen Church to gather more information. A prayer was shared on the church's Facebook page early Sunday morning.
The post expressed a prayer for the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and healing to those who are hurting, and to turn brokenness into wholeness. It also asked for courage, wisdom, humility, and grace to act with justice, and for wisdom to be infused into prayers for all those affected by violence to find peace.
According to the history of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, it was established in 1842. The church, along with its rectory and cemetery, is recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Abbeville, in Vermilion Parish, is 21 miles southwest of Lafayette.
CNN’s Rafael Romo and Yan Kaner contributed to this report
Editor's P/S:
The incident at St. Mary Magdalen Church is a disturbing reminder of the dangers that can arise even in seemingly sacred spaces. The swift and decisive actions of the parishioners and law enforcement officers prevented a potentially tragic outcome, but the incident raises questions about the safety of our communities and the need for increased vigilance in the face of such threats.
The church's decision to increase security measures is understandable, but it also highlights the sad reality that places of worship are no longer immune to violence. It is essential that we continue to work together to create safe and welcoming spaces for all, while also addressing the root causes of violence and promoting peace and understanding in our communities.
