Teen armed with gun confronted by parishioners after walking into church during Mass, police say

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

ABBEVILLE, La. — A terrifying scene unfolded at a Louisiana church Saturday when a 16-year-old boy armed with a gun walked in during Mass, police said.

Churchgoers were celebrating a group of children’s first Communion, which was being livestreamed at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville.

Parishioners immediately confronted the armed teen and took him outside. They then called police.

Footage of the livestream shows a priest duck behind an altar as parishioners stand up to see what was going on. Several altar boys run behind the priest amid the panic.

No one was injured in the incident.

The 16-year-old is facing charges of “terrorizing” and possessing a firearm.

“I’m hurt. I’m angered. I’m disappointed, but this is a society problem, not a local problem,” Abbeville Councilman Brady Broussard Jr. said.

Abbeville Police Department Police Chief Mike Hardy is praising the parishioners and the clergy for their quick response and remaining calm throughout the ordeal.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.