A Maryland man, Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, was arrested after disrupting two local churches’ Christmas Eve services by causing a scene and endangering citizens. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announced that Von Goetz entered Holy Angels Catholic Church during a Mass and dropped an onion in the aisle, disturbing those in attendance. He then assaulted another person by throwing tangerines at him before leaving. Later that night, Von Goetz disrupted Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church by pouring whiskey into the holy water and threatening to harm parishioners. As he was escorted out by church attendees, he attempted to hit several individuals with a whiskey bottle.
Even though parishioners were able to detain Von Goetz until deputies arrived, he was ultimately transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. On December 26, 2024, he was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Defacing Religious Property, Religious Crime Against a Group, Obstructing a Religious Exercise, Threat of Mass Violence, and Disturbing the Peace. He is currently being held at St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, pending an appearance before a District Court Commissioner. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, and story tips can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
The disruptive behavior exhibited by Von Goetz during the Christmas Eve services at two local churches in Maryland led to his arrest and subsequent charges. His actions, which included dropping an onion during Mass, assaulting another person by throwing tangerines, pouring whiskey into holy water, and threatening parishioners, caused a disturbance and put citizens at risk. Despite being detained by parishioners, Von Goetz was ultimately taken to a hospital for evaluation before being arrested and charged with several offenses.
The incident involving Von Goetz disrupting the services at both Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Christmas Eve prompted law enforcement to take action. His behavior, which escalated from dropping an onion to pouring whiskey into holy water and threatening parishioners, raised concerns about the safety and security of those attending religious services. Deputies were able to apprehend Von Goetz with the help of parishioners and ensured that he faced charges for his actions, including Second-Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and other offenses.
Von Goetz’s disruptive behavior at the two local churches during Christmas Eve services resulted in his arrest and subsequent charges in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. His actions, which included dropping an onion, throwing tangerines at a person, pouring whiskey into holy water, and threatening parishioners, were deemed to be dangerous and disrespectful. Law enforcement took him into custody following the incidents and charged him with multiple offenses related to the disruptions he caused, ensuring that he faced legal consequences for his actions.
The arrest and charging of Von Goetz for disrupting the Christmas Eve services at the two local churches in Maryland highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and order in religious settings. His actions, which included defacing religious property, obstructing a religious exercise, and threatening mass violence against parishioners, warranted a strong response from law enforcement. By taking him into custody, charging him with various offenses, and holding him accountable for his disruptive behavior, authorities sent a clear message that such actions would not be tolerated in the community.
In conclusion, the arrest and charging of Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz for disrupting Christmas Eve services at two local churches in Maryland served as a reminder of the importance of respecting religious spaces and maintaining peace during religious gatherings. His disruptive behavior, which included defacing property, threatening violence, and causing a disturbance, led to his arrest and subsequent charges. By holding him accountable for his actions, law enforcement sought to ensure the safety and security of those attending religious services and send a message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
