Oklahoma pastor stabbed during church service, female suspect in custody under federal hold
A Sunday morning church service in northeastern Oklahoma turned violent when a local pastor was stabbed during an unprovoked assault inside his own sanctuary.
The attack took place at the Church of Christ in Pryor, where Pastor DJ Castoe sustained non-life-threatening injuries after an adult woman walked into his church and attacked him with a dagger, as The Christian Post reports.
Pryor Creek Police arrived at the scene in response to a disturbance call and found an active physical altercation underway, according to Police Chief Jeremy Cantrell.
Quick-Thinking Parishioners Help Subdue Attacker
The suspect, identified as Whitney Adney, was taken into custody following intervention by officers and has since been transferred to the Mayes County Jail under a federal hold due to her tribal status, law enforcement said.
Chief Cantrell described the incident as “unprovoked, deliberate, and intentional,” adding that Adney attacked the pastor without warning, using a dagger.
Two senior church members stepped in during the attack, managing to disarm the suspect and assist in subduing her until police arrived on the scene, likely preventing even worse damage.
Pastor Remains Calm Despite Violent Assault
Castoe suffered stab wounds to his hand and required stitches for a chin wound. He reportedly remained calm throughout the ordeal—more than many could claim if put in that situation.
“The pastor sustained stab wounds to his hand and received stitches to his chin,” Cantrell said. “Even after being stabbed, the pastor remained calm and composed under circumstances most people would not.”
Doctors expect Castoe to undergo surgery on his hand and make a full recovery, which is no small relief after an incident like this.
Suspect Allegedly Made Cult References
During the altercation, Adney reportedly yelled something about a cult, according to a report shared on social media by a retired minister, though her full motive remains unclear as of now.
A probable cause affidavit included in a local news report stated that Adney was found being held down by the injured pastor while a senior parishioner, who had disarmed her, stood nearby calling for help.
The scene was swiftly secured once law enforcement arrived, with Cantrell affirming there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Federal Charges Cited Due to Tribal Status
The reason for federal jurisdiction in this case isn't a loophole—it’s due to the suspect’s tribal status, a wrinkle in our justice system that many Americans may find surprising.
Rather than being booked solely on state charges, Adney is being held on a federal basis, raising questions about jurisdictional priorities and how our institutions handle cases involving tribal members.
“An adult female was taken into custody following officer intervention and was transported to the Mayes County Jail on a federal hold,” Cantrell explained. “Due to the suspect’s tribal status, the suspect has been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Heroism in the Pews, Tragedy at the Pulpit
Cantrell praised the bravery of the parishioners who intervened, calling their actions “true examples of bravery, selflessness, and faith.”
Retired minister John Lovitt, who once pastored at the same church and previously led Castoe’s youth group, identified Adney on social media and confirmed Castoe was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday.
As the community processes the shock of this attack, many will likely focus less on the attacker’s identity and more on the courage and composure of those who stood against violence in their own house of worship.
