On May 11, 2024, a teenager attempted to enter St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana during a First Communion Mass with a rifle.
Parishioners quickly responded and prevented any harm from coming to the children present.
The intruder was charged with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
On Saturday, May 11, during a First Communion Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, a teenager attempted to enter the church with a rifle while around 60 children were present. The quick thinking and bravery of the parishioners prevented any harm from coming to the children.
According to multiple sources, including local news outlets and police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 10:35 a.m., when the suspect tried to enter via the back door of the church. The congregation immediately responded by confronting him and taking him outside before calling the authorities.
The teenager was later charged with terrorizing and two counts of possession of a firearm by a juvenile, according to Abbeville Police Chief Mike Hardy's statement on Facebook. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The disruption caused by the intrusion did not deter the joyful occasion for the children receiving their First Communion. The church continued with the ceremony and expressed gratitude for both parishioners and law enforcement officers who acted swiftly to ensure everyone's safety.
Hardy praised the actions of St. Mary Magdalen Churchgoers, stating in his Facebook post,
The article contains an appeal to authority and a potential dichotomous depiction. The appeal to authority is present when the text states: “Police praised the quick-thinking bravery of the church congregation. Hardy offered thanks to the ‘clergy and parishioners of St Mary Magdalen Church for their quick response and remaining calm throughout this matter.” This statement is not presenting an argument or fact, but rather expressing approval from a figure of authority (the police chief). The potential dichotomous depiction is seen in the phrase: “He was questioned at Abbeville Police Department, alongside a parent, before he was taken to Abbeville General Hospital’s behavioral unit for evaluation, police said.” This could be interpreted as suggesting that the teenager either cooperated with authorities or was taken to a mental health facility; however, it is not entirely clear if these were separate events or if the questioning at the police department led directly to his evaluation at the hospital.
Police praised the quick-thinking bravery of the church congregation. Hardy offered thanks to the ‘clergy and parishioners of St Mary Magdalen Church for their quick response and remaining calm throughout this matter.’
He was questioned at Abbeville Police Department, alongside a parent, before he was taken to Abbeville General Hospital’s behavioral unit for evaluation, police said.
