A 38-year-old man from Alabama was arrested in Southern California after threatening a Catholic monastery while carrying a large stash of weapons. Joshua Michael Richardson faces serious charges, including making felony criminal threats and possessing multiple high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles, and a sword.
The situation began on August 19 when Richardson sent a chilling email to St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon. In his message, he claimed to be the “Angel of Death” and referenced the “rider of the pale horse” from the Bible’s Book of Revelation. He threatened to “do the Lord’s reaping” at the monastery, which is known for its celebration of Michaelmas on September 29.
On August 26, Richardson attended a service at the abbey and approached a priest in a private area. He told the priest he had come to do “the Lord’s work” and mentioned his journey from Alabama on a “white pale horse.” This alarming behavior led to a report being filed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department two days later.
When officers arrested Richardson, they found his truck filled with weapons, including knives, body armor, and a stun gun. However, he did not have a firearm on him at the time of his arrest. He is currently being held without bail and is set to be arraigned soon.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. They emphasized the importance of community vigilance in preventing such threats. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed the seriousness of the threat, stating that an attack on one house of worship is an attack on all places of worship.
This incident comes on the heels of a tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, where a shooter with anti-Catholic views opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties. The FBI has classified this act as domestic terrorism, highlighting the growing concern over violence directed at religious institutions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding everyone to trust their instincts and report anything that feels off.
