During a First Communion service at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, a startling incident unfolded when a 16-year-old armed with a rifle attempted to force his way into the church through a back entrance.
Quick-thinking parishioners sprang into action, thwarting the teenager’s entry and holding him outside until law enforcement arrived to apprehend him.
The event, which occurred during a service led by Father Nicholas G. Dupré and streamed live on the church’s website, caused panic among attendees as they reacted to the unfolding situation.
As the commotion escalated, clergy members and altar boys sought refuge behind the communion table while armed officers secured the premises and facilitated the evacuation of the church.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident. The 16-year-old suspect, identified as a white male, was taken into police custody and now faces charges of terrorizing and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Both the church and local authorities praised the swift response of parishioners and law enforcement, underscoring the importance of community vigilance in ensuring the safety of all attendees.
In light of the unsettling event, the church has extended an invitation for First Communicants to return for their First Holy Communion at a later date, emphasizing resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for constant vigilance and preparedness to address potential threats, particularly in close-knit communities like Abbeville.