Background: Campground Pentecostal Church in London, Kentucky (Google Maps). Inset: James Bell (Laurel County Sheriff”s Office).
In a chilling incident in Kentucky, a man allegedly entered a local church on a Sunday afternoon, making violent threats and causing panic among the congregation. The suspect, identified as James D. Bell, 56, now faces charges including second-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree disorderly conduct, and public intoxication, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that Bell entered the church, located off Barbourville Road near London, Kentucky, around 1:10 p.m. The church, identified by CBS affiliate WKYT as Campground Pentecostal Church, serves the small city of approximately 8,000 residents, situated about 75 miles south of Lexington.
Witnesses claim Bell made alarming declarations, stating, “I am here to kill” and specifically targeting children, which understandably sent shock waves through the congregation. The sheriff’s office noted that numerous churchgoers overheard these threats, prompting a swift call to 911 and the evacuation of the children from the main sanctuary.
When deputies arrived, they found that members of the church were already attempting to calm the situation. Interestingly, the church’s pastor offered a different perspective to the authorities, stating that he did not hear the threats. Instead, he reportedly heard Bell asking for help, claiming he was possessed by a demon.
Bell’s actions have led to his detention at the Laurel County Correctional Center, as the community grapples with the unsettling nature of the incident.
The church’s pastor, however, did not overhear Bell make a threat, the area TV station reported. He told deputies he instead heard the suspect request help, and that Bell stated that he was possessed by a demon.
The church members were reportedly praying for Bell when deputies arrived.
Deputies noticed the “odor of alcoholic beverages” emanating from the suspect “and that he was slurring his words.” Deputies determined that he was “under the influence.” They did not find a weapon on him.
The defendant was arraigned on Monday and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 17, local Fox affiliate WDKY reported.
