A 56-year-old man walked into a church in London, Kentucky, on Sunday afternoon and declared his intent to murder people, specifically targeting children. Church members evacuated the children and called authorities, who arrested the suspect on several charges. The incident occurred at Campground Pentecostal Church amid reports of the man's intoxication.
On Sunday, March 8, at approximately 1:10 p.m., James D. Bell, 56, approached Campground Pentecostal Church off Barbourville Road, just south of London, Kentucky, according to Laurel County Sheriff John Root. The church serves a community of about 8,000 residents, located roughly 75 miles south of Lexington.
Bell entered the church and stated, "I am here to kill" and "I will kill the children," statements overheard by several members. In response, at least one person dialed 911, and children were quickly evacuated from the main sanctuary. When deputies arrived, they found churchgoers attempting to de-escalate the situation.
The church's pastor reported a different account to authorities. He did not hear the threats but instead noted Bell requesting help and claiming to be possessed by a demon. Members were praying for Bell at the time of the deputies' arrival.
Officers observed an odor of alcohol on Bell and noted his slurred speech, determining he was under the influence. No weapon was found on him. Bell faces charges of second-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct, and alcohol intoxication in a public place. He was booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Bell was arraigned on Monday and is set for a preliminary hearing on March 17, as reported by local outlets.