Altoona police say the man was grazed by the bullet when the weapon snagged on his pants and fired around 11pm Saturday at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
Officer Christy Heck said the gunโs safety apparently was not on when the man stood up from kneeling, causing the gun to snag on his pants and fire.
Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown diocese said heโs grateful that no one was seriously injured. But he says โguns have no place in our cathedral or any of the other parishes in our dioceseโ because churches โmust be an environment in which all feel safeโ.
Police and the district attorney are reviewing whether charges will be filed against the man, who had a permit and was legally carrying the weapon. Police are not identifying him publicly.
The gunshot occurred about 15 minutes before the end of mass. The bullet lodged in the churchโs tile floor.
From the comments:
Violence occurs everywhere, why would a church be different? Does the Secret Service carry weapons on the rare occasions our president attends church? of course Do your police carry weapons in church? of course. The man made an error, similar to backing a car into a person but not injuring them. Those people are usually still allowed to drive. Even if a person is killed in the accident, there is never any talk of posting signs in the parking lots saying "No Use Of Reverse".
The anti-gunners always have a solution in search of a problem.