Police Patrols Boosted At Pittsburgh Churches After Threats Made

Pittsburgh PA

14 September, 2021

2:21 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — The FBI and Pittsburgh police are investigating phone threats to harm congregants at a Pittsburgh church Sunday. While an investigation city Bureau of Public Safety described as "very active and ongoing," continues, police have added extra patrols and are taking additional precautions around the threatened churches and other city houses of worship. "Pittsburgh Public Safety takes all threats of violence or terrorism extremely seriously," Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said Tuesday. "Pittsburgh Police intelligence unit detectives are working closely with our federal partners within FBI Pittsburgh, sharing information and intelligence to determine the origin of the threats." Police evacuated about 30 congregants at St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church on Saline Street in Greenfield Sunday after 911 dispatchers received violent threats against the worshipers. Police Sunday also were called to St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Brighton Heights when a congregant observed a man with a gun during services. The man had a concealed carry permit and had his weapon returned when it was determined he had not broken any law. Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.