Man accused of making threats to California Catholic abbey now faces federal charge

"An Alabama man accused of making threats and then showing up in August at a Roman Catholic abbey in Silverado Canyon faces a federal charge accusing him of threatening the church while in Alabama, then driving across the country with the intent of carrying out the threat, according to a complaint filed by federal authorities made public on Tuesday, Sept. 30."

"Richardson, with a long red-haired beard, posted a photo of himself on X in front of a St. Michael's Abbey sign and was captured on a church surveillance camera. While speaking to the priest on Aug. 26, Richardson allegedly said the church had been built for him and that he was there to separate the wheat from the weeds. The discussion led the clergy member to call 911, authorities have said."

"Two days later, Orange County sheriff's investigators used Richardson's cellphone location to find him in Santa Monica. A search of his truck turned up a dagger, brass knuckles, body armor, empty rifle magazines and other tactical gear, officials said. Also found was a calendar that had End Reaping written on the space for Sept. 27, 2025, and a written document titled Articles of War, which"

Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, of Jemison, Alabama, is charged with traveling across state lines with intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or place under surveillance. He allegedly emailed St. Michael's Abbey on Aug. 19, then drove to California and attended services on Aug. 26. While at the abbey he reportedly made statements about doing the Lord's work and separating wheat from weeds, prompting a priest to call 911. Investigators located him in Santa Monica and found a dagger, brass knuckles, body armor, empty rifle magazines, tactical gear, a calendar marked "End Reaping" and a document titled "Articles of War." He previously pleaded guilty to felony possession of metal knuckles in Orange County.

Read at www.ocregister.com