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Background: Campground Pentecostal Church in London, Kentucky (Google Maps). Inset: James Bell (Laurel County Sheriff”s Office).
A disturbing incident unfolded in Kentucky when a man allegedly entered a church on Sunday, threatening to harm congregants, with a specific focus on children.
The suspect, James D. Bell, 56, faces charges including second-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Bell is currently held at the Laurel County Correctional Center.
The unsettling event took place around 1:10 p.m. at a church located along Barbourville Road, just south of London, Kentucky, according to Sheriff John Root. The church, identified by regional CBS affiliate WKYT as Campground Pentecostal Church, serves a community of approximately 8,000 residents, roughly 75 miles south of Lexington.
Witnesses report that Bell entered the church and made alarming statements, claiming, “I am here to kill” and threatening, “I will kill the children.”
His threats were overheard by several attendees, prompting one member to promptly call 911 while children were quickly moved to safety from the main sanctuary. When deputies arrived, they found church members actively working to calm the situation.
The church’s pastor, however, did not overhear Bell make a threat, the area TV station reported. He told deputies he instead heard the suspect request help, and that Bell stated that he was possessed by a demon.
The church members were reportedly praying for Bell when deputies arrived.
Deputies noticed the “odor of alcoholic beverages” emanating from the suspect “and that he was slurring his words.” Deputies determined that he was “under the influence.” They did not find a weapon on him.
The defendant was arraigned on Monday and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 17, local Fox affiliate WDKY reported.