Christmas Eve Masses in two Maryland communities were disrupted by a man’s shocking actions, leaving congregations unsettled.
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
At Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz allegedly dropped an onion in the aisle during the service. As a parishioner confronted him outside, Von Goetz reportedly retaliated by throwing tangerines before fleeing.
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, during midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown, Von Goetz returned with more disruptive behavior. Witnesses say he poured whiskey into the holy water and attempted to attack parishioners with his liquor bottle.
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
Churchgoers acted quickly, restraining Von Goetz until law enforcement arrived. He was taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation before being officially charged with seven offenses, including disturbing religious practices and threats of mass violence.
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
The unsettling events served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist even in sacred spaces during times of celebration.
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
Von Goetz, now facing a range of charges, left a lasting impact on what should have been a peaceful night of worship.
