An Alabama man is facing charges in California after allegedly making threats against a Catholic monastery, claiming to be the "Angel of Death."
The Orange County, Calif. District Attorney's Office charged Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, of Jemison, with one felony count of criminal threats, one felony count of possession of brass knuckles, one felony count of possession of a dirk or dagger and one misdemeanor count of possession of a large-capacity magazine.
Prosecutors claim Richardson showed up at St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado Canyon after sending email threats to "do the Lord's reaping."
In an email sent on August 19, investigators said Richardson claimed to be the "rider of the pale horse." According to the Book of Revelation, the rider of the pale horse is the personification of death who is given the power to kill through the sword, famine, disease and wild animals and is closely followed by Hades, who swallows the souls of the condemned. The email identified the church as a target because it is one of the few churches in the nation that still practices Michaelmas.
On August 26, Richardson attended services at the church, then followed the priest into a private area, where he allegedly shared his plans with him. He was arrested two days later. Law enforcement recovered several knives, a stun gun, body armor, duct tape, rope, brass knuckles, a sword, Walkie-Talkies and other tactical gear from the man's truck. No firearms were recovered.
The walls of our churches are not just symbols of sanctuary; they represent the most sacred places of worship and of peace," said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. "No one should have to worship in fear that a stranger would walk through the door with the intent to carry out their own day of judgment and determine who lives and who dies. A threat on one house of worship is an attack on every place of worship, and we refuse to allow threats and terror dissuade any person from practicing their faith without fear. Public safety is all our responsibility, and we are grateful for the quick action of the church officials and the Sheriff's Department to prevent another tragedy from occurring."
Richardson was given a $50,000 bond, although prosecutors are asking for him to be provisionally held without bail based on the danger they believe he poses to the public.
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