Man arrested after threatening to shoot parishioners, clergy in Louisiana diocese

A Louisiana man is facing criminal charges after allegedly threatening parishioners and clergy across two Catholic Church properties in separate incidents this week.

According to a June 4 local report from KPEL, Kenneth Vicknair arrived at a diocesan building in Lafayette demanding to see a specific clergy member. He then allegedly threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to leave the premises. 

Although it remains unclear whether he was armed, no injuries were reported. 

Shortly after the confrontation in Lafayette, law enforcement in Evangeline Parish responded to another disturbance involving Vicknair outside St. Peter Catholic Church in Pine Prairie, where he was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation. The church’s pastor contacted authorities, anticipating the situation could escalate.

Officials have not confirmed whether the clergy member Vicknair argued with in Pine Prairie was the same individual he sought earlier in Lafayette.

Sheriff’s deputies detained Vicknair at the scene. He was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail before being transferred to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. He now faces charges of simple assault and terrorizing.

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