Fort Wayne, Indiana, was rocked by violence Saturday night when Tyler Leavitt, 40, allegedly threatened to commit mass harm at a church event. He was armed with a gun and a knife and reportedly voiced a deadly intention.

In a terrifying turn at Central Ministries’ live nativity scene, Tyler Leavitt was arrested after menacing to kill attendees and resisting arrest with weapons, the Christian Post reported.

The incident unfolded at Central Ministries, where approximately 100 people gathered for a live nativity scene. Leavitt, accompanied by his wife, brought a gun to the church event, catching the attention of the on-site police officers managing security.

Leavitt’s hostile actions escalated quickly as he pointed his firearm at a police officer. The situation intensified as he drove recklessly around the property, causing panic among the attendees.

Security's Quick Response Saves Lives

Amid the chaos, Leavitt expressed his intent to "kill everyone there," a chilling statement later cited in his arrest affidavit. As he drove, attendees were at a significant risk of injury.

The church’s security team acted swiftly to prevent a catastrophe. They managed to disarm Leavitt and kept him from driving his pickup truck into the crowd after he crashed into a ditch. The confrontation with law enforcement became physical when Leavitt, still armed with a knife, resisted arrest.

At least one person was shot during the incident, resulting in injuries, although not life-threatening, while another attendee sustained minor injuries in the tumult.

Community Reeling, Seeks Solace and Strength

Following the incident, Central Ministries took to Facebook to voice a message of gratitude and resilience. "We are praising God for His protection tonight," the church stated, acknowledging the gravity of what had been narrowly avoided.

Senior Pastor Jeremy Helmuth addressed his congregation the following day in what he described as an unusually emotional sermon. Helmuth recounted the bravery shown by those at the scene: "Heroes ran into danger to prevent evil," he commended, stressing the uncommon courage displayed.

Helmuth reflected on the community's response to the immediate danger. "That's not normal. People usually run from danger. They usually hide," he said, emphasizing the unique valiance shown by many during the ordeal.

Facing Justice: Charges and Reflection

Leavitt now faces a series of severe charges including disorderly conduct, recklessness with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement, and several others related to his armed threat and subsequent actions.

The affidavit details that officers had to use force to subdue Leavitt due to his refusal to comply with verbal commands, painting a picture of a tense standoff between the suspect and police forces.

As the community at Central Ministries tries to move forward, they are left to consider the profound acts of bravery that marked a night of potential devastation. The congregation, while physically safe, now navigates the emotional aftermath of the threat against their peaceful gathering.

Legal Process and Community Healing

The legal proceedings against Leavitt are ongoing, and the community continues to support those affected by the violence. Central Ministries remains a focal point for healing, with continued support and counseling being offered to all attendees of the ill-fated nativity scene.

As details emerge from the investigation, Fort Wayne residents and Central Ministries' congregation are reminded of the delicate balance between vigilance and community unity in preventing and responding to such threats.

The resilience and quick actions of everyone at the scene during that harrowing evening serve as a testament to the strength of the Fort Wayne community in the face of stark adversity.