MEMPHIS, TN – A 30-year-old man, Zachary Liberto, has been arrested and charged with Commission of an Act of Terrorism after allegedly threatening to “butcher” church attendees at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis.
Threats and Investigation
According to the Memphis Police Department, Liberto sent an email demanding a video of the church’s priest being slapped, threatening to carry out a mass casualty attack with a machete if his demand wasn’t met.
The email was received by the priest and the church’s music director, who immediately alerted authorities.
One of the victims confirmed past email exchanges with Liberto but was unsure what triggered the recent threats.
Liberto was known to carry a machete, which he referred to as “chete,” and claimed to own a firearm, though no one had seen it.
Possible Motive and Criminal History
The threats followed a verbal altercation between Liberto and the priest regarding the defacement of the church’s baptismal pool.
Parishioners involved in the case believe Liberto suffers from an undiagnosed mental illness.
Investigators obtained a recorded phone call, in which Liberto stated he would not tolerate being mocked or threatened without retaliation.
Arrest and Charges
Liberto was arrested and remains in custody on a $200,100 bond. He faces serious terrorism charges and could receive a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Authorities continue to investigate any further threats or possible accomplices.
