On Christmas Eve 2024, a series of disruptive and unsettling incidents unfolded within the peaceful confines of two Catholic churches in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, a 56-year-old resident of Avenue, Maryland, stands accused of perpetrating these acts of disruption and disrespect, leaving parishioners bewildered and authorities with a complex case. His actions began at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue during an evening Mass, where he allegedly approached the altar and dropped an onion in the aisle, disrupting the solemnity of the service. This initial act of disturbance was followed by an assault outside the church, where Von Goetz is accused of throwing tangerines at a witness who had followed him out of concern for the congregation’s safety. This seemingly bizarre and unprovoked act marked the beginning of a troubling escalation of behavior.
Later that same evening, as the clock approached midnight and Christmas celebrations commenced, Von Goetz allegedly targeted another church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown. This time, his actions took on a more serious and sacrilegious nature. He allegedly poured whiskey into the holy water font, a consecrated vessel of significant religious importance within the Catholic faith, and proceeded to threaten parishioners with violence, generating fear and anxiety among those gathered for worship. As concerned members of the congregation attempted to escort him from the church, Von Goetz allegedly brandished a whiskey bottle, attempting to strike several individuals, further escalating the already tense situation. His alleged aggressive actions prompted swift intervention by parishioners, who successfully detained him until law enforcement officials arrived.
The incidents at both churches sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about the motivations behind such seemingly random and disrespectful acts. Von Goetz’s actions, ranging from the oddly whimsical act of dropping an onion in the aisle to the more serious offense of desecrating holy water and threatening violence, left many questioning the underlying cause of his behavior. The desecration of holy water, in particular, was deeply offensive to the religious sensibilities of the parishioners, representing a profound disrespect for their sacred traditions and beliefs. The added threat of violence amplified the sense of unease and fear, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the Christmas Eve services.
Following his detention at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Von Goetz was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. This step suggests that authorities considered the possibility of underlying mental health issues or other contributing factors that may have influenced his behavior. The evaluation aimed to ensure his well-being while also providing insights into the potential motivations behind his actions. Following the medical evaluation, on December 26, 2024, Von Goetz was formally arrested and charged with a series of offenses reflecting the gravity of his alleged actions. The charges included second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, defacing religious property, religious crime against a group, obstructing a religious exercise, threat of mass violence, and disturbing the peace.
The array of charges against Von Goetz underscores the multifaceted nature of his alleged offenses, encompassing not only acts of disruption and disrespect but also the potential for violence and the targeting of a specific religious group. The charge of “religious crime against a group” highlights the potential bias element of his actions, suggesting that his disruptive behavior was specifically directed towards the Catholic community. The charge of “threat of mass violence” is particularly concerning, indicating the seriousness with which authorities viewed the potential for harm arising from his alleged threats. The combination of these charges paints a picture of an individual whose actions transcended mere mischief and entered the realm of potentially dangerous and discriminatory behavior.
As the legal process unfolds, Von Goetz remains incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, awaiting his appearance before a District Court Commissioner. The court proceedings will aim to determine the extent of his culpability and the appropriate consequences for his alleged actions. The case raises important questions about the intersection of religious freedom, public order, and the potential for individuals to disrupt religious services and threaten violence against faith communities. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for how similar incidents are handled in the future, and may prompt further discussion about the need for enhanced security measures at religious institutions to protect worshippers from potential threats and disruptions.
