CV NEWS FEED // A possible shooting was avoided on May 11 when parishioners at a Louisiana Catholic church confronted a teen armed with a rifle as he attempted to enter the church during Mass, where dozens of children were preparing to make their First Communion.
Local news outlet News 15 reported that the incident occurred at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville. The teen was immediately stopped and taken outside by parishioners as soon as he opened the door. Inside the church, however, panic erupted as the celebrating priest, Fr. Nicholas Dupre, halted the Mass, asked everyone to sit, and began praying the Hail Mary.
Police were immediately contacted and they took the teen into custody. However, the police were concerned that other armed people could be on the property and performed a sweep of the church.
According to News 15, Police Chief Mike Hardy said the suspect was a 16-year-old boy who was interviewed by officers and taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation. He is being charged with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
St. Mary Magdalen Church issued a statement a few hours after the incident, thanking parishioners and police for responding to the situation.
“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,” the church stated.
The Diocese of Lafayette also responded to the incident.
“We are thankful to God that a tragedy was avoided at the First Communion mass for the children of St. Mary Magdalen in Abbeville,” the Diocese stated. “The quick response of the Abbeville PD and alert parishioners is a great example of caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Let us pray for an end to all threats of violence to innocent human life.”
In a Facebook post on May 12, St. Mary Magdalen shared that the children whose First Communion was interrupted by the incident received the Eucharist for the first time on Sunday. Supporters in the comments commended the children and their parents for returning to the church without fear, calling it “a beautiful testimony to their trust and love for God and their faith.”
