Memphis Man Arrested for Threatening Churchgoers with Machete

A 30-year-old man was taken into custody in Memphis after allegedly threatening to “butcher” attendees at a local Catholic Church. The incident unfolded at St. Louis Catholic Church, where police responded to reports of threats made by Zachary Liberto.

The Memphis Police Department confirmed the arrest, which occurred following a heated verbal confrontation between Liberto and the church’s priest regarding damage to the baptismal pool. On Friday, police received a complaint about Liberto’s alarming behavior from the priest and the church’s music director.

Disturbing Threats Uncovered

According to authorities, Liberto was reported to have sent an email that included threats of mass violence against churchgoers. The message was described in police reports as highly menacing, stating, “I need a video of the complainant getting slapped by you in 24 hours before I butcher people in that church with a machete.” This alarming missive set off immediate concern among church officials.

Previous Interactions Revealed

One church member, who had previous communications with Liberto through the email address from which the threats originated, explained to police that the nature of Liberto’s threats was unusual. Although the victim could not pinpoint the exact cause for Liberto’s outburst, he indicated that they both suspected Liberto might be suffering from an unidentified mental health condition.

Concern for Public Safety

Additionally, both victims reported that Liberto is known to possess a machete he refers to as “chete”. They also mentioned that he claims to own a firearm, although it has never been confirmed. Liberto reportedly resides in a homeless encampment near the church, which adds to the concern regarding his access to weapons and the potential risk posed to the community.

Background and Community Impact

Records obtained from the court highlight that the church is frequented by numerous prominent local parishioners, which may have made them potential targets of Liberto’s threats. Investigators have discovered a recording from a parishioner who engaged in a phone conversation with Liberto. During this exchange, Liberto expressed his intent not to “let people threaten and mock” him without retaliation.

Liberto has been charged with committing an act of terrorism, a serious offense reflecting the severity of the threats he made. He is currently being held on a substantial bond of $200,100. This arrest highlights the ongoing issues surrounding mental health and public safety, particularly in communities where places of worship are involved.

Community Response

The incident has sparked a sense of alarm among church members and the local community. Many parishioners have expressed their concerns about the safety of attending services, particularly given the nature of the threats. Local law enforcement continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that community members feel secure in their religious practices.

Looking Forward

The case underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring public safety. As investigations continue, it reflects a growing need for communities to be vigilant against threats that can emerge unexpectedly. Local officials are urging residents to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior that might pose a risk to others.

The legal proceedings against Liberto are expected to unfold in the coming weeks. His situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between mental health concerns and community safety, challenging local leaders to find effective means to support vulnerable individuals while protecting the public.