An argument outside a northwest Albuquerque church led police to arrest a third person after he allegedly pulled a gun during the confrontation.
Police charged David Romero with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident outside St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Parish.
Tensions had been mounting for weeks following Bernalillo County’s approval of a North Valley mosque, a decision that sparked debate within the local Catholic community, KOB 4 reported.
The Rev. Vincent Paul Chavez said the conflict began on social media between him and parishioner Katrina Griego.
“She recorded me during my one-minute public comment to the county commissioners, posted the video to her Facebook page and called for people to telephone the office of the archbishop,” Chavez said. “She posted the telephone number and demanded that Father Chris and I be removed as priests.”
In response, Chavez said he posted a message on the church marquee reading, “Racism, a grave sin against God’s love,” with “Katrina G.” listed underneath.
When Chavez saw Griego taking photos of the sign, he approached her outside the church.
“I said, ‘Katrina, I know you’re a follower of Jesus, as I am. I know for myself I would not want to hear from our Lord Jesus, “Out of my sight, you condemned into that eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” because of your racism,’” Chavez said.
After Chavez walked away, the church facilities director asked Griego to leave the property. Instead, Griego called Romero, her boyfriend, who arrived at the parish and allegedly brandished a handgun, according to police.
“The facilities director said, ‘He has a gun, Father.’ I said, ‘Shoot me. I don’t care. I’m ready to go. We have a good God over here,’” Chavez said.
The facilities director pepper-sprayed Romero and Griego before Romero fled, according to KOB 4.
Police have not charged Griego or any parish employees in connection with the incident.
