‘I want to let it all out’: Man brings gun to church service in Spartanburg Co, South Carolina
Incident Details
A 60-year-old man brought a firearm to a church service in Woodruff, Spartanburg County, on a recent Sunday, causing a disruption among the congregants. Responding to a disturbance call at approximately 10:40 a.m., deputies from the local sheriff’s office soon arrived on the scene at the church situated on Shaw Road.
The man was found sitting on the last pew against the wall by a deputy, who approached him due to his suspicious behavior. As stated in the incident report, the man openly admitted to the deputy about the possession of a gun inside his right pocket. He was promptly escorted out of the church to defuse the tension while further queries were made regarding his unusual approach to a religious service.
Reason for Bringing the Gun to the Church
According to officials, when questioned about his motives, the man declared his intention to “become closer with the Lord,” though the reason behind bringing a firearm to pursue this spiritual goal remains unclear. The pastor of the church further informed the deputy that beforehand the man had been observed flaunting his weapon outside the church and proclaiming cryptically that he was ready to “let it all out today”.
Legal Stand and the Aftermath
Upon verification with the sheriff’s office, it was confirmed that the man was within his legal rights to possess a firearm. It is important to note that although ownership and possession of firearms is legal, bringing them into certain public and private spaces, particularly without a disclosed intent, can cause alarm and fear.
No injuries or physical altercations were reported. However, given the unsettling incident and the potential threat to congregants’ safety, the man has been issued a trespass notice, prohibiting him from attending any future services at the church.
Keeping the Community Safe
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the community of Woodruff continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and tranquility of their people. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing and upholding safe practices and responsible behavior when it comes to firearms, and the need for vigilance in these critical times.
Source: HERE News Network
Author: HERE News
