A 38-year-old man from Alabama, Joshua Michael Richardson, has been arrested and charged with making criminal threats and weapons violations against St. Michael’s Abbey, a Catholic monastery in Silverado Canyon.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Richardson, who also goes by the name Joshua Michael Jericho, claimed to be “Michael the Angel of Death” and sent threatening emails to the monastery starting on August 19. He referred to himself as the “rider of the pale horse,” a Biblical reference from the Book of Revelation, and stated he was “sent to do the Lord’s reaping” before the monastery’s celebration of Michaelmas on September 29.
On August 26, Richardson attended a service at the abbey and allegedly followed a priest into a private area, reiterating his threats. Two days later, after a report was made to law enforcement, Richardson was found in a Santa Monica parking garage with a cache of weapons and tactical gear, including high-capacity magazines, a sword, and body armor. Authorities did not find any guns or ammunition.
Richardson has been charged with felony criminal threats, possession of brass knuckles, and misdemeanor possession of high-capacity magazines. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the importance of safety in places of worship, stating, “No one should have to worship in fear.”
The arrest highlights the importance of community vigilance, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department urging the public to report suspicious activities.
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