A 16-year-old male gunman was apprehended by police after being stopped by quick-thinking parishioners when he entered St. Mary Magdalen church in Abbeville Louisiana during a First Communion Mass on Saturday. The incident which occurred while around 60 children were waiting to take their first Holy Communion was captured on the church’s livestream video.
According to a statement from the church the suspect opened the back door and was immediately confronted by parishioners who escorted him outside and called the police. Officers from the Abbeville Police Department arrested the teen and swept the church to ensure there was no further danger.
Louisiana Parishioners Stop Teen Dressed in Black and Armed With Rifle as He Enters Church Filled With Families (VIDEO) https://t.co/j6DeLyX28N #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit The folks at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, were having a First Communion mass for…
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The suspect was questioned at the police station with a parent present before being taken to a hospital behavioral unit for evaluation. He has been charged with “terrorizing” and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Louisiana church thwarts mass shooting at service packed with kids https://t.co/VcRurqkf7c
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In the livestream video the priest can be seen asking parishioners to sit down and pray as the situation unfolds. Despite the frightening experience the church expressed gratitude to parishioners and police for their swift response in ensuring everyone’s safety.
The FBI and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office are involved in the ongoing investigation. The church plans to have law enforcement present at all upcoming Masses as a precaution.
Louisiana Parishioners Stop Teen Dressed in Black and Armed With Rifle as He Enters Church Filled With Families https://t.co/PQgRP1XF2q pic.twitter.com/LIk8MpbjcA
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