Rev. Ezzat Bathouche, a priest at Saint Jude Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Brickell, expressed deep concern after an unemployed, homeless person repeatedly threatened and became increasingly violent with him. After Bathouche informed the homeless person he could no longer stay on church property, his behavior worsened considerably; when told that he no longer could stay there, he became furious, making threats against Bathouche himself.
The situation worsened further when, after making threats of returning at night, he returned with a sword in hand and attempted to enter the church again armed with it. Though police took him into custody shortly thereafter, the disruptive behavior continued, even throwing stones in the parking lot of the church and damaging cars as he continued throwing stones there. Bathouche recalls telling the man to leave, but receives laughter in response and no compliance on his part.
Church members called the police multiple times seeking intervention, with one call made under Florida’s Baker Act to involuntarily evaluate him under mental health rules deemed dangerous to themselves or others. Yet despite these efforts, the priest remains concerned for the safety of both members of his congregation as the homeless man’s behavior poses a potential risk to all involved.
This incident has raised serious safety concerns regarding religious institutions and public spaces while also underscoring the difficulties authorities and communities are encountering when dealing with homelessness and mental health issues. Contact us for Construction Site Security Today!