NewYou can listen to Fox News articles now!
Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrested an Alabama man who said after allegedly posed a threat to Catholics, deputies said armed with brass knuckles, knives, high-capacity magazines and bulletproof clothing California Monastery.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department said late last month, deputies detained Joshua Michael Richardson. Investigators said the emails reportedly contained language on August 28 interpreted as a threat.
The situation escalated when investigators said Richardson drove from Alabama to Southern California and appeared in the monastery in person, and deputies said he posed other threats. Two days later, a pastor who met Richardson informed the sheriff’s department, triggering a swift investigation.
Sgt. Gerald McCann told Orange County Register Richardson is believed to have driven from Alabama and arrived in California the same day.
Minneapolis Catholic School Shooter’s Life is marked by chaos ahead of mass killing: Timeline
A man drove a weapon from Alabama and threatened a convent in an Orange County. (Orange Roman Catholic Diocese)
Deputies said they quickly found and detained Richardson. Searching his vehicles found weapons and tactical equipment, including large-capacity magazines, body armor, knives and brass knuckles. He was detained without an accident and booked to the Orange County Jail.
On September 1, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office formally accused Richardson of several crimes, including possessing brass knuckles, carrying a hidden dagger, possessing a large-capacity magazine and creating a criminal threat. According to Ktla.
Jarryd Gonzales, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic diocese, confirmed the incident in a statement to Fox News Digital and thanked local law enforcement for their swift action.
An Alabama man was arrested in Orange County, California for allegedly posing a criminal threat to the Catholic monastery. (Orange County Sheriff’s Department, California)
“The Diocese of Orange has been aware of the threat against St. Michael’s Abbey. Local law enforcement responded quickly and the suspect has been arrested,” Gonzalez said. “We thank the authorities for their quick action to ensure the safety of our parish community.”
Gonzalez noted that the parish is taking the incident seriously in view of the rise Threat to the church Nationally, a recent shooting at Angel Church in Minneapolis was pointed out, with a gunman opening fire during Mass.
“In the context of increasing threats to the church today, especially in the recent events in Minnesota, our parishes and schools continue to strengthen security efforts and remain vigilant to help protect our parishioners, students and staff,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Department has added patrols near the monastery, which is located on a 320-acre former ranch, while the monastery itself enhances its private security.
Federal grand jury sues man for threatening Trump assassination after re-election
Officials set up a barrier after firing on August 27, 2025 at a shooting church in an elementary school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Reuters/Ben Brewer)
Sheriff’s officials stressed the importance of community vigilance.
“Although incidents like this may feel uneasy, they also emphasize the power of the community,” the official said. “If something seems to be wrong, say something. Trust your intuition and report suspicious activity, whether it is a weird message, anomaly behavior or an incorrect thing. Your appeal may stop before the crime occurs.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with relevant information to call 714-647-7000 to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Fox News Digital contacted the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for comment.
Stepheny Price is involved in crimes, including missing persons, homicides and immigration crimes. Story tip: stepheny.price@fox.com.
