Man charged after alleged threats toward Catholic church in Marple Township

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- A potential tragedy was averted in Delaware County after police arrested a man accused of making threats against a Catholic church in Marple Township.

Christopher Henderson, 37, of Exton, is now jailed on charges of making terroristic threats on Facebook targeting St. Pius Catholic Church in Broomall, according to police.

According to the criminal complaint, Henderson posted Tuesday morning that he was driving to St. Pius X Catholic Church, writing, "I'm sending all you (expletive) to hell."

Police said multiple community members reported the post, prompting an immediate response. Officers secured the church, where both school and Mass were underway, and began searching for Henderson.

Newtown Township police ultimately located him close by. He was later taken into custody and charged by Marple Township officers.

Authorities said they cannot confirm Henderson's intended destination, but acted quickly given the circumstances.

"I firmly believe we stopped a tragedy before it happened. He had no weapons on him, but you don't need weapons to commit violence," said Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff.

Police had previously made contact with Henderson on Sunday regarding similar posts about the church. Graeff said Henderson made an alarming remark to an officer at that time, which was detailed in the affidavit of probable cause.

"He asked officers if they came to every Mass or if they were just there for him. He then thanked officers and stated, "You never know when someone is going to randomly come shoot up the place," the documents say.

Residents expressed both relief and concern following the arrest.

"I'm glad they were so much on top of it," said Judy Gentile of Haverford.

"I just hope that he gets help, and we have to pray for him," said Michele Laverghetta of Broomall.

Laverghetta said she became increasingly uneasy as details emerged.

"When I started hearing more about it, I started to get nervous knowing that they got him in Newtown Township, and it's right when I was in church," she said.

Henderson is being held on $500,000 cash bail and has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He is also prohibited from entering Marple Township.

"He is removed from our streets and that's a good thing," Graeff said.

Court records show Henderson also faces aggravated assault and terroristic threats charges in Chester County, first filed in April. Action News is still working to learn more about those cases.