ABBEVILLE, La. — A potentially dangerous situation was stopped Saturday at a church in Vermillion Parish, south of Lafayette.
A teen, dressed in black, and armed with a rifle, was stopped by parishioners before going inside mass, where dozens of children were making their first Communion.
Security experts also have advice about what you should do in this situation.
It was a regular live stream of Saturday mass in Abbeville at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Sixty children were making their first Communion. And then, about 48 minutes into the celebration of mass, something happens. A man goes up to the altar and whispers to the priest. The priest asks for everyone to be seated and pray the Hail Mary.
That is recited over and over, a total of five times, as men, and police in protective vests, walk around. And then for nearly two minutes, there is panic, chaos, people screaming, and babies crying.
Altar boys are seen running behind the altar, while priests duck down behind it.
Then the priest says it's over.
“So, guys, just get a hold of your child. Go slowly. We did apprehend a young man. He is in custody,” the priest announces.
On Facebook, the church posted when a suspicious person opened the door,
"The individual was immediately confronted by parishioners, escorted outside and the police were called. "
Abbeville PD posted:
"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."
“Planning is critical. I can't emphasize that enough, planning, and without practice, you just have a plan,” said Marlon Defillo, of Crescent City Consulting, LLC.
As a security expert, he says each situation is different and hard to predict. And now, there is an increase in places of worship that are asking for a security plan.
“You have to make all attempts to isolate that person. There should be certain church staff members to dial 911 to get the police involved. There should be also, educate your parishioners, your congregation on the exit plan. If you can't get out, then hide, run, try to get as low as possible to the floor,” he said.
St. Mary Magdalen now plans to have plain-clothed police at all masses.
“Certainly churches are not exempt now from having armed security,” recommended Defillo,
The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a statement in part saying:
"The Archdiocese of New Orleans as well as individual church parishes maintain open lines of communication with law enforcement as it pertains to the safety of our parish communities. Parish communities have resources and have emergency and crisis plans in place to be as prepared as possible for such a situation."
Some people in the church were concerned that another suspect was in the church, so police made a complete sweep but found nothing.
Read the full statements below:
N.O. Archdiocese:
"Everyone deserves a safe place to worship. We give thanks to God that the disruption to the First Communion Mass in Abbeville did not result in any injuries and join with Bishop Deshotel and the faithful of the Diocese of Lafayette in offering our prayers for all involved.
"The Archdiocese of New Orleans as well as individual church parishes maintain open lines of communication with law enforcement as it pertains to the safety of our parish communities. Parish communities have resources and have emergency and crisis plans in place to be as prepared as possible for such a situation."
Abbeville PD:
“On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:35 a.m., 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 who 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. You can also call the tip line or message this Facebook page."
St. Mary Magdalen:
"Dear Parishioners,
"This morning, our First Communion ceremony was interrupted when a suspicious person opened the back door. The individual was immediately confronted by parishioners, escorted outside and the police were called. The individual was quickly apprehended by the Abbeville Police Department and is in their custody. Once apprehended, law enforcement entered the church to make sure there was no additional danger. This understandably caused panic. 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. Chief Mike Hardy is handling the investigation with the cooperation of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office and assistance from the FBI. Out of an abundance of caution, we will have uniformed law enforcement at all upcoming Masses. We invite First Communicants to receive First Holy Communion at whichever Mass they choose to attend this weekend. We are grateful for all the prayers for our St. Mary Magdalen community."
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