A 70-year-old Clearwater woman was arrested Tuesday after allegedly bombarding a St. Petersburg pastor and his congregation with threatening messages, according to the pastor and police. What started as online harassment that the pastor says ranged from hateful social-media posts to explicit threats of violence eventually zeroed in on Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in south St. Pete. Church members say the ordeal has rattled the congregation and pushed them to seek legal protection.
Pastor G. Gregg Murray told reporters the harassment "started trolling me" and said some of the messages warned that a white-supremacist group would follow him home. Other posts referenced Florida's open-carry laws, language that heightened concerns about guns. Murray said several posts mentioned President Donald Trump, drawing the woman's attention and helping escalate the online campaign into direct threats, as reported by WFLA.
Mt. Zion's history and pastor
Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church has been part of the St. Petersburg community for more than 99 years and lists Elder Dr. G. Gregg Murray as its pastor. The congregation is active in South St. Pete and maintains regular worship and outreach programs. Murray has led the church for more than 11 years, according to the congregation's website, which also posts service times and contact details, per Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church.
Arrest, bond and court order
St. Petersburg police arrested Cheryl Ann Bradley, 70, on allegations she threatened a mass shooting at the church. A judge ordered Bradley held on $50,000 bond and directed that she stay away from the pastor and congregation if she is released. Those details, along with the arrest, were reported by WFLA.
Community concern and next steps
The church's website continues to list contact information and notes about its mission as members grapple with the aftermath of the threats. Authorities and church leaders have urged anyone with information to contact local law enforcement as the investigation moves forward and court filings set the case's next steps.
