A 20-year-old man was detained after attempting to enter a Catholic school Mass in Sacramento, California, with a loaded handgun on Ash Wednesday, authorities reportedly said.
According to NBC affiliate KCRA 3, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the church connected to St. Mary Parish School. An off-duty Sacramento police detective whose child attends the school was in attendance and noticed a man approaching the church and requesting entry. The detective confronted the man – who was later identified as Brian Richard Girardot Jr., a former student at the school – and found and removed the weapon before detaining him until on-duty officers arrived, the outlet reported.
In a Feb. 19 X post, the Sacramento Police Department commended the detective’s quick action and bravery.
We are so proud of the bravery of our off-duty detective! https://t.co/XMngBV8vKC
— Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) February 19, 2026
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said Feb. 19 that Girardot is charged with possessing a firearm within a school zone, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces charges in state court.
Federal prosecutors later searched Girardot's home and found handwritten notes referencing suicide and threats, according to KCRA 3. Authorities said they also discovered more ammunition and a camouflage jacket in Girardot’s vehicle, which was parked near the school. The FBI and Sacramento police are investigating the incident.
No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. Students were escorted back to class after Mass without any disruption.
"Thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of our parent volunteers, our children remained safely inside the church for the duration of Mass and a potential crisis was averted,” St. Mary Parish School said in a letter to parents, according to KCRA 3. “No students came into contact with the man, and were unaware of the situation happening outside. After Mass the children were escorted back to class.”