Memphis Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Mass Casualty Event at Catholic Church
A 30-year-old Memphis man, Zachary Liberto, has been arrested and charged with Commission of an Act of Terrorism after allegedly threatening to commit a mass casualty event at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis. The arrest followed a police investigation into an email Liberto allegedly sent threatening violence against church attendees, specifically mentioning the use of a machete. The incident has sent shockwaves through the St. Louis Catholic Church community and raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions.
According to the Memphis Police Department, the investigation began after officers responded to a complaint filed by the church’s priest and music director on Friday. The complaint detailed a verbal altercation between Liberto and the priest regarding the defacement of the baptismal pool inside the church. Following the altercation, Liberto allegedly sent a threatening email vowing to inflict harm on churchgoers.
The email, according to a police report shared with Fox News Digital, stated, "I need a video of the complainant getting slapped by you in 24 hours before I butcher people in that church with a machete." The alarming language and explicit threat of violence prompted immediate action from law enforcement.
Investigators determined that the email was sent from an address that the priest and music director had previously used to communicate with Liberto. The victims told police that they were unsure what prompted Liberto to send the threatening email, but they expressed their belief that he suffers from an unspecified mental illness. They further stated that Liberto is known to possess a machete, which he refers to as "chete," and has claimed to own a firearm, although they have never seen it.
The victims also informed police that Liberto is believed to be residing in a homeless encampment. This information added another layer of complexity to the investigation, as it highlighted the potential challenges in locating and apprehending the suspect.
Further investigation revealed that prominent local parishioners attend St. Louis Catholic Church, raising the possibility that they could have been specifically targeted by Liberto’s threats. Court records obtained by FOX 13 Memphis indicated the potential for targeted violence against high-profile members of the congregation, intensifying concerns about the severity of the threat.
Investigators also obtained a recording of a phone conversation between a parishioner and Liberto. In the recording, Liberto reportedly stated that he would not "let people threaten and mock" him without taking action. This statement provided further insight into Liberto’s mindset and his potential motivation for making the threats. It suggested that he felt wronged or disrespected, and that he intended to retaliate against those he perceived as having wronged him.
Based on the evidence gathered, police arrested Zachary Liberto and charged him with Commission of an Act of Terrorism. He is currently being held on a $200,100 bond, according to jail records. The high bond amount reflects the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger Liberto poses to the community.
The arrest has brought a sense of relief to the St. Louis Catholic Church community, but it has also raised questions about the need for increased security measures at religious institutions. Church leaders are likely reviewing their security protocols and considering ways to enhance the safety of their parishioners. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable communities.
The case is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of Liberto’s intentions and the factors that may have contributed to his alleged threats. They will also be evaluating his mental state to determine if he requires mental health treatment.
The incident at St. Louis Catholic Church is not an isolated event. In recent years, there has been a rise in threats and acts of violence targeting religious institutions across the country. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of worshippers and the need for increased security measures at churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship. Many religious organizations are now working with law enforcement and security experts to develop strategies for protecting their congregations from potential threats. This includes implementing security protocols, training staff and volunteers, and enhancing physical security measures such as surveillance cameras and security personnel.
The Liberto case highlights the importance of taking all threats seriously and reporting suspicious behavior to law enforcement. It also underscores the need for communities to come together to support those who may be struggling with mental health issues and to address the root causes of violence in society. The investigation into Liberto’s alleged actions will continue as the legal process unfolds, and further details will likely emerge as the case progresses through the courts. The community of St. Louis Catholic Church is undoubtedly hoping for a swift and just resolution to this disturbing incident, and for a return to a sense of peace and security.
