A Sunday morning church service in Pennsylvania took a frightening turn when an armed man allegedly tried to enter the building carrying a samurai sword, forcing the congregation into lockdown.
According to FOX56, police were called to Pocono Lake Bible Church in Monroe County shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, after reports that 30-year-old Peter Gershon Wonsia was attempting to enter the church with the weapon.
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Police said Wonsia was told to leave but refused, repeatedly insisting he “cannot leave” and “needed to go in,” FOX56 reported. With Wonsia still outside and allegedly carrying the sword, church leaders locked down the building as authorities responded.
Officers ultimately detained Wonsia without anyone being injured, according to Premier Christian News. They further reported that investigators searched a Carbon County hotel where Wonsia had been staying as part of the ongoing investigation.
Wonsia now faces misdemeanor charges, including carrying a prohibited offensive weapon, simple assault by physical menace, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Monroe County Correctional Facility on $25,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
What could have become an unthinkable tragedy instead ended without bloodshed, a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in all places and circumstances.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
