A Texas man's threat against his former church has sparked a wave of concern for the community and led to increased security measures at the place of worship.
Bryan Barrera, 37, is facing charges after he posted on Facebook that he would "take out both your pastor and everyone at the church" with "just one shot to the dome." Investigators say Barrera specifically targeted Pastor Lamont Melrose of Potter's House Christian Church by name, despite not attending services for over three years.
The threat was reported to the FBI, which then notified the Pasadena Police Department. Barrera was arrested on November 21 and charged with a terroristic threat; he has since bonded out of jail.
According to court records, Barrera had a history of violent behavior, including an assault charge from last year in which he allegedly hit his mother and pushed a responding officer. However, it appears that this is the only felony offense on his record.
In a bizarre twist, investigators discovered that Barrera had been texting another pastor just two years prior, claiming that the people at Potter's House Christian Church had their souls taken by the devil and that he was sent by God to "show no mercy" to them. A search warrant revealed an October 20 Facebook post in which Barrera posed with a gun and bulletproof vest.
In response to the threats, several church members have been carrying guns to Sunday services. Pastor Melrose confirmed that there are security measures in place should Barrera attempt to attend the church again, as he is barred from doing so as a condition of posting bond.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of churchgoers and the need for increased vigilance. As one pastor noted, "We're taking this very seriously, and we'll do whatever it takes to ensure our members' safety."
Bryan Barrera, 37, is facing charges after he posted on Facebook that he would "take out both your pastor and everyone at the church" with "just one shot to the dome." Investigators say Barrera specifically targeted Pastor Lamont Melrose of Potter's House Christian Church by name, despite not attending services for over three years.
The threat was reported to the FBI, which then notified the Pasadena Police Department. Barrera was arrested on November 21 and charged with a terroristic threat; he has since bonded out of jail.
According to court records, Barrera had a history of violent behavior, including an assault charge from last year in which he allegedly hit his mother and pushed a responding officer. However, it appears that this is the only felony offense on his record.
In a bizarre twist, investigators discovered that Barrera had been texting another pastor just two years prior, claiming that the people at Potter's House Christian Church had their souls taken by the devil and that he was sent by God to "show no mercy" to them. A search warrant revealed an October 20 Facebook post in which Barrera posed with a gun and bulletproof vest.
In response to the threats, several church members have been carrying guns to Sunday services. Pastor Melrose confirmed that there are security measures in place should Barrera attempt to attend the church again, as he is barred from doing so as a condition of posting bond.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of churchgoers and the need for increased vigilance. As one pastor noted, "We're taking this very seriously, and we'll do whatever it takes to ensure our members' safety."
. Like, I get that people can be passionate about their faith or whatever, but threats are a big no-no 
. And the fact that he specifically targeted Pastor Melrose by name is just creepy 
. It's crazy to think that someone would take out their frustrations on an entire community like that.
. And the fact that he had a history of violent behavior? That's just red flag alert 
. It's good that the police took action quickly and that there are now security measures in place, but I worry about how this whole thing is going to play out.
. It's just not what I'm looking for in a place of worship. I hope everyone involved can just calm down and find peace 
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. i mean, i get that Barrera had a history of violent behavior, but that's no excuse for posting something like that online. it's just asking for trouble 
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. i'm all for people being passionate about their faith, but this is just crazy 
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. we should all be looking out for each other and creating safe spaces where people feel comfortable worshiping or gathering 
.
This whole thing is just crazy... I mean, who threatens a place of worship like that? 
And now churchgoers are carrying guns to church services? That's just crazy talk. Can't we all just get along and find a way to resolve conflicts peacefully? 
It's crazy how some people think they can just intimidate others without any consequences. 
And now the church members are carrying guns to Sunday services? That's just not normal. I don't think we need that kind of security, you know? 
. And to think he's got a history of violence, it's like, what's next? 
. I mean, I'm all for standing up for yourself, but this is just taking it too far. The church should be able to feel safe when they're worshiping, you know? 
. I'm not saying the pastors are wrong to take security measures, 'cause that's their job, but maybe they could've handled the situation differently? 
. It's all just so... dramatic 
. And what's with the whole "God sent me" thing? Like, dude, get a grip 
. Anywayz, I hope the guy gets some help and doesn't hurt anyone else 
it's just so senseless. i dont understand how one guy can be so angry and hate-filled towards someone who didnt even know him. and the fact that he thought god was on his side 
. I mean, I'm all for free speech and all, but this guy's just trying to incite violence and get attention from law enforcement. It's not cute, bro.
. Can't say I'd want to attend a Sunday service with some psycho lurking around 
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. Can't we just report these threats to the authorities and let them handle it? No need for vigilante justice 
. And Barrera's history of violence is concerning 
, but maybe we should be focusing on rehabilitating him instead of locking him up 
.
. We shouldn't have to worry about being shot just because someone makes a threat 
. I hope the police can do their job effectively and keep everyone safe 
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