South Carolina church bans man who brought gun to service

Michie said:

A man who brought a gun to a church service in South Carolina has been banned from attending future events at the congregation, according to authorities.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 60-year-old armed man attended a church service on Sunday in Woodruff. The man allegedly told attendees that he wanted to “let it all out today” while displaying his firearm, according to FOX Carolina.

When police arrived, the man was seated in the back pew and was escorted out of the sanctuary. When asked why he brought a gun to the church, he reportedly said he wanted to “become closer with the Lord.”

Continued below.

South Carolina church bans man who brought gun to service

A man who brought a gun to a church service in South Carolina has been banned from attending future events at the congregation, according to authorities

www.christianpost.com

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From reading the article I got the impression it was more his actions and statements while in possession of the gun that got him banned.

He showed the gun.
Indicated he wanted to "let it all out today"
Indicated he brought the gun to "become closer with the Lord".

To me, his actions and statements begin to switch the scenario from "a church attendee who is lawfully carrying a firearm" to "potential nut with a gun who intends harm."

I know there are people that conceal carry in church and nobody bats an eye. But, they don't act like this guy either.

I'm not sure of South Carolina gun laws, nor the rules of that church, and that article unfortunately didn't perform its due diligence to mention those points. Some states prohibit guns in churches by law (although I doubt South Carolina does that). Most states that allow concealed weapons also permit churches and businesses to prohibit guns on their own property.

Some churches permit members to carry legally concealed as "part" of their overall security plan. Maybe some even permit members to carry them openly.

My church prohibits members from carrying weapons, but they also have hired uniformed armed security (off-duty police officers). There is also a member ministry called "Men of Valor" that provides plain-clothes additional security at all functions (they have very small badges on their lapels and that Secret Service type of ear communicator). I don't think they all carry concealed weapons...but knowing what to look for, I've spotted several that do. Importantly, I've also watched them doing their coordinated "active shooter" training during off-hours.

It's a large congregation with several large buildings to protect.