The tranquility of Christmas Eve services was shattered when Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz’s actions led to his arrest at two Maryland churches.
At a Glance
- Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz was arrested for disrupting services at two churches on Christmas Eve.
- Incidents occurred at Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
- Disruptive activities included dropping an onion, throwing tangerines, and pouring whiskey into holy water.
- Von Goetz faces multiple charges including second-degree assault and disturbing the peace.
Disturbances at Holy Angels Catholic Church
The Christmas Eve service at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, Maryland, was interrupted by the actions of Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz. During the service, Von Goetz nonchalantly placed an onion in the aisle, drawing attention and creating a disturbance. After leaving the church, his actions escalated when he assaulted a bystander by throwing tangerines, adding to the chaos.
These actions at Holy Angels caused concern among parishioners present for the festive service. The incident began shortly after 5 p.m., an evening meant for peaceful reflection and celebration, which was disrupted by Von Goetz’s unconventional activities.
Man arrested in Christmas Eve attack on 2 people at Manhattan's Grand Central | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/VuQI7HB8ZY
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) December 26, 2024
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Incident
Later, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz’s disruptive behavior continued. During the midnight Mass, he shocked congregants by pouring whiskey into the holy water, an act seen as defacing religious property. The situation took a threatening turn as he wielded a whiskey bottle, attempting to hit several individuals while being escorted out.
Many church attendees detained Von Goetz until the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrived. Following his arrest, he was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation due to the severity of his actions. This chain of disruptive events culminated in multiple serious charges, including religious crime against a group.
Man arrested after pouring whiskey in holy water at Christmas Eve mass, deputies say https://t.co/KKLrTQTKUV
— WHIO-TV (@whiotv) December 28, 2024
Consequences and Legal Charges
Von Goetz’s actions have led to a series of legal charges, highlighting the severity of his disruptions. He faces charges such as second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property, and threatening mass violence. The charges reflect the seriousness with which law enforcement and the community view his actions during a time meant for peace and celebration.
What is the world coming to?
Man arrested after pouring whiskey in holy water at Christmas Eve mass, deputies say https://t.co/KKLrTQTKUV
— WHIO-TV (@whiotv) December 28, 2024