Man charged with making terroristic threat at church

Police: Defendant was wearing a black mask, cloak during Easter Mass

HUDSON — A Hillsdale man was arrested Monday and charged with making a terroristic threat after being detained during Easter Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hudson.

The incident began just after 9:30 a.m. when Rev. Anthony Barratt, the church’s pastor, was leading the congregation in the Eucharistic prayer. A man wearing a mask and a black cloak shouted “All Hail!” before raising a glass bottle above his head and rushing the altar, according to Hudson police. Several ushers were able to detain the man before police arrived.

Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said several of the ushers were retired law enforcement officers, including from the Hudson Police Department.

Congregants were fearful during and after the incident, according to the police. Most of the congregation hurried out of the church as the man was detained.

Barratt released a video on St. Mary’s website after the incident, saying these types of incidents “occur from time to time.” The church has protocols for emergencies, he added, and the ushers have training, including in first aid. He thanked those who helped during the incident.

The man, who is in his late 40s, was taken by police to Columbia Memorial Health for a mental health evaluation, where he was kept until being discharged back to Hudson police. He was arraigned Monday in Hudson City Court on one count of making a terroristic threat, a felony carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. His bail was set at $3,000.

He appeared again in Hudson City Court Tuesday morning and he remains at Columbia County Jail until his next court appearance.

In a statement, Franklin said there would be an increased police presence at St. Mary’s.

“We empathize with the members of our community impacted by this incident,” she said. “We recognize the distress it has caused and are dedicated to swiftly addressing their concerns. We extend our sincere gratitude to the church members for their quick thinking and bravery in stepping in to assist before law enforcement arrived. Rest assured, we are committed to providing a swift and thorough response to ensure the security of all residents.”

After police detained the man, most congregants re-entered the church and Barratt was able to complete the service.