A 20-year-old man, Brian Girardot Jr., was arrested for attempting to bring a loaded gun into a Sacramento Catholic church on Ash Wednesday. The incident was prevented by an off-duty cop who acted swiftly after noticing the suspicious behavior of Girardot. The young man, who was a former student at St. Mary Parish School, dropped off a relative before returning with a gun in hand.
The off-duty cop disarmed Girardot and detained him before he could enter the church during a school Mass. Additional ammunition and a camouflage jacket were found in Girardot’s vehicle parked nearby. The school commended the parent observer for his vigilance, ensuring that no students were in harm’s way.
Law enforcement officials later discovered handwritten notes in Girardot’s bedroom that referenced suicide and threats. One note addressed to three relatives stated, “All of you are the reason I’ve done this.” The evidence suggested that Girardot was preparing for a violent incident.
Girardot was charged with possessing a firearm within a school zone, and he also faces criminal charges in state court. If convicted, he could face a maximum prison sentence of five years. The notes, along with other evidence, indicated that Girardot was actively planning for a dangerous act.
The incident at St. Mary Parish School serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick action in preventing potential crises. Thanks to the swift response of the off-duty cop, a potentially dangerous situation was averted, and the safety of the students was ensured.
