California police raided Holy Innocents Catholic Church on Sunday in Long Beach after someone made a fake 911 call.
The Long Beach Post reported that an unknown individual made a false emergency call, claiming someone carried a rifle inside the church.
Police arrived heavily armed between the church’s 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Masses.
Holy Innocents Pastor Rev. Peter Irving said he “was in the rectory when officers in tactical gear arrived around 11:45 a.m. and told him and others to leave.”
LBPD spokeswoman Jennifer De Prez said the caller hung up after reporting an alleged gunman, and before revealing his or her identity.
“Police believe the report was unfounded,” De Prez said.
An individual can be fined up to $10,000 in California for swatting, or making false emergency calls.
Our Lady, please protect our Catholic churches!
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