A funeral service at Greater Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in north St. Louis was interrupted Friday when a dispute inside the sanctuary spilled onto the street and someone allegedly threatened to grab a gun. Police detained two people at the scene, and no injuries were reported, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Police Say Officer Noticed Fight While Driving By
Police said the altercation began during the funeral inside the church, then continued outside. An officer who happened to be driving past saw the fight and called for additional units. Officers detained two people and took witness statements as part of the initial investigation, and police said someone threatened to grab a gun during the disturbance, according to FOX 2.
Where It Happened
The incident unfolded at Greater Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, listed at 1819 East Prairie Avenue near Cote Brilliante on St. Louis' north side. The church appears in local directories and is noted as an active congregation in the neighborhood, per its listing on ELCOFMO.
Legal Context: Displaying A Weapon Can Be A Crime
Under Missouri law, simply displaying or exhibiting a weapon in a threatening way can be a criminal offense, even if no one is hurt. The state's unlawful use of weapons statute makes it illegal to "exhibit, in the presence of one or more persons, any weapon readily capable of lethal use in an angry or threatening manner," a provision investigators could weigh as they determine whether to recommend charges. That prohibition is spelled out in RSMo 571.030.
Wider Concerns For Church Security
The disturbance comes as security at local churches has been a growing concern this winter. In January, several Metro East congregations reported burglaries and thefts, prompting some churches to reassess security measures and request extra patrols, according to First Alert 4.
Detectives remained at Greater Rising Star as the funeral service wrapped up, and the investigation is ongoing. Police have not said whether any charges will be filed in connection with the disturbance, per FOX 2.
