The Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrested an Alabama man who deputies said arrived armed with brass knuckles, knives, high-capacity magazines, and body armor after allegedly threatening a Catholic monastery in California.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Joshua Michael Richardson was detained late last month after reports of threatening emails he sent to St. Michael’s Abbey. Investigators said the emails, which were reported on August 28, contained language that could be interpreted as threatening.
The situation became more serious when investigators said Richardson drove from Alabama to Southern California and showed up at the abbey, where deputies said he made additional threats.
A priest who encountered Richardson alerted the sheriff’s department two days later, sparking an immediate investigation.
According to Sgt. Gerard McCann, Richardson is believed to have driven from Alabama to California on the same day he visited the abbey.
Deputies claimed they quickly located and apprehended Richardson. A search of his vehicle revealed weapons and tactical gear, such as large-capacity magazines, body armor, knives, and brass knuckles. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into Orange County Jail.
According to KTLA, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged Richardson with several offenses on September 1, including possession of brass knuckles, carrying a concealed dagger, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and making criminal threats.
Jarryd Gonzales, spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, confirmed the incident and thanked local law enforcement for their quick response.
“The Diocese of Orange has been made aware of a threat directed at St. Michael’s Abbey. Local law enforcement responded quickly, and a suspect was apprehended,” Gonzales stated. “We are grateful to the authorities for their quick action in ensuring the safety of our parish community.”
Gonzales stated that the diocese is taking the incident seriously in light of rising threats to churches nationwide, citing the recent shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire during Mass.
“In today’s environment of increased threats against churches, and particularly mindful of recent events in Minnesota, our parishes and schools continue to strengthen security efforts and remain vigilant to help protect our parishioners, students and staff,”
— Jarryd Gonzales, head of communications for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
Sheriff’s officials emphasized the value of community vigilance.
“While incidents like this can feel unsettling, they also highlight the power of community,” the officials stated. “If something seems wrong, say something.
Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity, whether it’s a strange message, unusual behavior, or something that doesn’t seem right. Your call could help prevent a crime from occurring.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000.
