New Orleans Archdiocese reacts after armed teen arrested in Louisiana church during children’s mass.
Churchgoers were celebrating a group of children’s first Communion, which was being livestreamed at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville.
A teen, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, was stopped by Abbeville parishioners before entering mass where children were making their first Communion.
Abbeville Police Department Press Release
From Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy
“On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:35 am, the Abbeville Police Department received a call of a suspicious person with a gun at the St Mary Magdalen Church.
The person was confronted by parishioners and escorted outside. Upon arrival, Officers arrested the suspect and placed him in custody. Officers with the Abbeville Police Department and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office made a sweep through the church to ensure there was no additional threat and confirmed that no one was injured.
The suspect was transported to the Abbeville Police Department and questioned with his parent present.
The suspect, a 16 year old white male was interviewed by Officers and then transported to Abbeville General Hospital Behavioral Unit to be medically evaluated. He is being charged with Terrorizing and 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile.
Chief Mike hardy would like to thank the FBI Staff for their assistance in the investigation.
Chief Hardy would also like to thank the Deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Abbeville Police Department in the clearing of the church and all Clergy and Parishioners of St Mary Magdalen Church for their quick response and remaining calm throughout this matter.”
The incident is still under further investigation if anyone has any information please contact the police department.