Chaos unfolds during mass inside Staten Island church
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Staten Island parish is still in shock after a violent melee broke out on the altar during a church service last week.
Police responded to a 911 call of a disturbed individual inside Saint Ann’s Church as a wild scene took place during Friday morning mass.
The man stormed the altar, throwing things around, including statues, breaking an angel’s wing. The floor of the altar sustained damage from the impact.
When police arrived, matters only grew worse. The officers tased the man, who got up and started brawling with them.
Police finally managed to subdue the man, who is not a parishioner at St. Ann’s.
For the close-knit Dongan Hills community, it is still hard to believe.
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No parishioners were hurt, but the two officers sustained minor injuries.
Despite the trauma, Pastor Jacob is preaching forgiveness. The pastor says the damage can be repaired, and a generous parishioner has volunteered to do just that.
In the meantime, the door to St. Ann’s remains locked during non-church hours.
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