
Two Maryland churches faced an unsettling Christmas Eve as a man caused disruptions during their holiday services.
Maryland man arrested for allegedly dumping whiskey into holy water during a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass! 😳 pic.twitter.com/IDZnnMEKQd
— John Rogers (@JohnRogers7News) December 27, 2024
The chaos began at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue when Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz allegedly dropped an onion in the aisle during Mass. As a parishioner tried to intervene, Von Goetz reportedly retaliated by throwing tangerines before fleeing the scene.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz is accused of assaulting a parishioner with fruit outside of one church and pouring whiskey into the holy water at another. https://t.co/hOwVw4hA1U
— ChurchLeaders.com (@ChurchLead) December 27, 2024
Hours later, Von Goetz appeared at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown during midnight Mass. Witnesses say he poured whiskey into the holy water and used his liquor bottle to threaten attendees.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz was arrested after incidents at two local St. Mary's County churches that disrupted religious services and endangered citizens. #SMCSO pic.twitter.com/YvdsGP4wpL
— Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) December 27, 2024
The congregation at St. Francis Xavier worked together to subdue Von Goetz, holding him until deputies arrived. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was taken to a hospital before being officially charged.
Thomas Von Goetz, entered Holy Angels Catholic Church and dropped an onion in the aisle as he walked to the altar. As an attendee followed him outside, Von Goetz pelted the person with tangerines. At midnight Mass he dumped whisky into the holy water.https://t.co/QepCoLFu03 pic.twitter.com/697tk9C0WF
— Lipstick Alley (@lipstickalley) December 27, 2024
Von Goetz now faces seven charges, including religious crimes, disturbing the peace, and second-degree assault. His actions left a troubling mark on what should have been a peaceful night of worship.
Onion-wielding man disrupts Christmas church services, pours whiskey into holy water: deputies https://t.co/WIAle3LNOH pic.twitter.com/uALplUFxUb
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) December 27, 2024
The charges follow an incident that reminded many of the ever-present risks, even in places dedicated to faith and reflection.