Preparedness
Heroic Parishioners Baffles Armed Teen’s Disturbance at First Communion Mass
This past weekend, a congregation in Louisiana experienced an unexpected shock when a hooded teenager, dressed entirely in black and armed with a rifle, attempted to infiltrate their church service. The service was not just any ordinary Sunday mass, but a special ceremony where the gathered children were set to receive their First Communion.
But those present at St. Mary Magdalen Church were not defenseless. Several aware and brave parishioners acted swiftly, ensuring that the potential danger was averted.
According to the Abbeville Police Department, a call reporting a suspicious person with a gun at the church was received around 10:35 a.m. on Saturday. The would-be intruder, a 16-year-old male, tried to sneak into the Catholic church using the rear entrance.
However, the church and police reported that, “upon opening the door, the suspect was immediately confronted by parishioners, escorted outside, and the police were called.” There was no delay in action from the attendees or the law enforcement.
When the police arrived at the scene, they found the suspect disarmed and pinned to the ground by several parishioners, as reported by the Arcadiana Advocate. He was taken into custody and a search ensued for a possible second shooter, as per the suspect’s claims.
An excerpt from a livestream of the Mass shows one parishioner informing Rev. Nicholas DuPré of the situation. Calmly, Fr. DuPré asks his parish to take a seat and join him in praying the Hail Mary.
In the midst of the confusion, the congregation was advised to stay calm and ensure their children’s safety. An announcement over the PA system stated, “So guys, just get a hold of your child. Go slowly. We did apprehend a young man. He is in custody. He is in the policy custody. Calm down and just get next to your child.”
While it was undoubtedly a harrowing experience for all, the church expressed its gratitude to the fast-acting parishioners and police officers in ensuring everyone’s safety. The church said in a statement, “While we realize this was a frightening experience for those in attendance, we are incredibly grateful to both parishioners and police officers for acting quickly to ensure the safety of all.”
Following the incident, the teenager was taken to Abbeville General Hospital’s behavioral unit for evaluation. He was eventually charged with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette praised those who averted what could have been a great tragedy. He said, “We are thankful to God that a tragedy was avoided at the First Communion mass for the children of St. Mary Magdalen in Abbeville.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the threats faced by religious institutions across America. It happened just one week after a pastor was targeted in a Pennsylvania church, one month following a brutal attack on an Assyrian bishop in Australia, and several months after a violent incident at Joel Osteen’s Houston-area megachurch.
A report from the Family Research Council highlighted that there have been at least 915 acts of hostility against American churches between 2018 and 2023, ranging from vandalism and arson to bomb threats.
St. Mary Magdalen Church, in response to the incident, shared a prayer on Facebook: “Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers. Grant that all harmed by the threat of violence may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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Preparedness
Concealed Carrier Defends Against Alleged Threat in Road Rage Incident
A recent road rage incident in Illinois escalated to gunfire when a concealed-carrying motorist felt threatened by an approaching individual. The confrontation unfolded at the intersection of Busey Avenue and Park Street in Urbana, drawing a swift response from local police.
The altercation began as a verbal dispute between a man driving alone and a couple in another vehicle. Tensions rose when the solo driver attempted to distance himself from the pursuing pair by pulling into a hospital emergency room parking lot before exiting onto Park Street.
As the situation intensified, the couple continued their pursuit, stopping their car at Park Street. The female driver armed herself with a baseball bat, while her male passenger approached the lone motorist.
The solo driver, who held a concealed-carry permit, reported that the approaching male appeared to have his hand under his shirt, suggesting he might be armed. In response, the driver drew his legally concealed firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the male passenger.
Following the shooting, the driver promptly called 911 to report the incident. The injured male was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made at this time. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward, offering options for private discussions or anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
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Preparedness
Mom’s Bold Confrontation Sparks Gunfire at Popeyes Showdown
In Jacksonville, Florida, a mother took matters into her own hands to confront an 18-year-old man who was allegedly engaging in inappropriate text exchanges with her 13-year-old daughter. The confrontation, which took place at a local Popeyes restaurant, escalated dramatically and ended with the suspect being shot.
According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Chief of Investigations Alan Parker, the suspect, Cerry Rodriques Banks, had been involved in “an inappropriate text relationship with a 13-year-old female.” Upon discovering these communications, the girl’s mother decided to intervene directly. She assumed her daughter’s identity by using her phone to communicate with Banks, setting up a meeting with him at the restaurant early on a Sunday morning.
When Banks arrived, he was expecting to meet the young girl but was instead confronted by the mother, her daughter, and her 11-year-old son. During the encounter, Banks allegedly pulled out a gun and ominously warned the mother, “When you hear the shots tonight, you know what’s up.”
The mother quickly ushered her children into the safety of the Popeyes and alerted the authorities. Despite having the opportunity to leave the scene, Banks remained outside the restaurant. When police officers arrived, they instructed Banks to “turn around and show his hands,” but he ignored the commands and attempted to flee.
“As the officer reaches the corner of the business, he observes the suspect pull the pistol from his waistband,” Parker explained. The officer, who has seven years of experience, ordered Banks to drop the weapon. When Banks did not comply, the officer fired, hitting Banks multiple times.
“The suspect continues to flee and, near a neighboring business, drops the gun,” Parker added. Banks managed to escape temporarily but was later captured in a drainage tunnel with the help of a K-9 unit. He sustained injuries to his hand, torso, and possibly his leg, and was provided medical care before being transported to a hospital.
Authorities recovered the firearm, which had not been discharged during the incident. Banks now faces several charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, lewd and lascivious conduct, unlawful use of a communication device, and traveling to meet a minor for illicit purposes.
Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters acknowledged the mother’s concern for her daughter but emphasized that such situations should be handled by law enforcement. “We’d absolutely love to handle every situation, but this is a mother who’s concerned about her daughter. So, I get it, I understand,” Waters stated. “But, I would say that in most cases, in situations like that, call us and let us come out and deal with the situation, so it doesn’t unfold like this.”
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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Preparedness
Concealed-Carry Motorcyclist Defends Against Hammer-Wielding Aggressor
A concealed-carry motorcyclist was involved in a fatal incident in Maryland last week, which police have described as a road-rage confrontation. The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old with a valid Maryland concealed handgun carry permit, was traveling near Maryland Route 10 and Furnace Branch Road when he encountered an aggressive driver.
According to reports, the motorcyclist noticed another vehicle tailgating him and behaving erratically. The situation escalated when the driver, identified as 51-year-old Scott David Guhse, pulled alongside the motorcyclist, shouting at him. The two nearly collided during the encounter.
Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy explained, “At a certain point, he was sort of forced off the road, and then stopped. He ultimately had to lay down his bike.” The confrontation reached a critical point when both individuals stopped on East Furnace Branch Road at Margate Drive.
It was there that Guhse allegedly charged at the motorcyclist with a hammer. In response, the motorcyclist drew his handgun and fired, resulting in Guhse’s death at the scene, according to fire officials. The motorcyclist remained at the scene following the incident, cooperating with authorities.
“I heard a pop. I thought it sounded like gunfire,” Hyung Chang, owner of Against Our Odds Vape Shop in Glen Burnie, recounted. “Ten to 15 minutes later, started having police and everything show up.”
Chang remarked on the frequency of such incidents in the area, noting, “It’s unfortunate,” and adding that he witnesses similar altercations at least once a month. “People have to learn to tone things down a little bit and not take things so personal,” he advised.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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