Flint, Michigan Pastor Accuses Flint Police of Silence Following Church Threat
Pastor Matthew Hougue Smith says police broke their promise of protection as the suspect returned near the church Sunday morning.
FLINT, Mich. — A Flint pastor is raising concerns about how city officials and police communicated with him and his congregation after a man allegedly threatened to bring an AR-15 rifle to his church.
Matthew Hougue Smith, pastor of Peoples Church in Flint, said while Sunday’s service was peaceful and included a surprise baptism, he has been left frustrated by what he described as little to no communication from city leaders and law enforcement.
“I have not received direct communication. I have had to reach out and physically go to the police department and that was the first time I’ve officially talked about this,” Smith said in a statement. “All I keep getting is, ‘A detective will begin investigating this coming Tuesday.’”
Smith said the suspect showed up near the church around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, prompting him to call 911. He said officers searched the area briefly but offered no reassurance, asking instead if he had a gun permit and telling him it was his responsibility to protect the congregation.
Smith said the suspect showed up near the church around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, prompting him to call 911. He said officers searched the area briefly but offered no reassurance, asking instead if he had a gun permit and telling him it was his responsibility to protect the congregation.
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According to Smith, a Michigan State Police sergeant told him the agency could not take over the case because they had not been invited to do so by the city.
“After a credible terrorist threat was made to bring an AR-15 to the church, we still have had little to no contact with the police,” Smith said. “If any more harm comes to this city by the hands of this man, it is officially on the hands of the city as I have done everything I can do on my end.”
Earlier in the week, Peoples Church canceled services after Flint police said they were investigating threats made on Facebook.
I reached out to the City of Flint for comment, but have not received a response.
Such a shame!
Very upsetting!
But have seen more and more corruption within our government
Lifting this church congregation and Pastor up in prayers
I could use a Greyson. The boys that used to live in my neighborhood used to take my trash bin out each week. I paid the a couple dollars. Unfortunately, they moved. I hauled it out the last time about three years ago. I've had a heart attack and my doctor says no more pushing it up the hill. The bin has been replaced once. It's handle is part way broken again. Now I have a free loading neighbor who thinks I'm going to pay for his trash pick up. The way I see it he owes me $120 for the two quarters he's been using it and I can't even get my trash in. He will never pay. Another neighbor has offered to buy him out. He cannot sell it. It is his brother's home and has left it to his twin sons. We are stuck with a man who is a menace to the neighborhood. I'm looking for about a dozen bikers to show up and lean on him.