Caught on camera: Intruder interrupts MLK service at Bed-Stuy church
Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman says a man claiming to be an Uber driver walked into the church, roaming the halls of the sanctuary, eventually making his way onto the stage before the congregation.
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An intruder interrupted the Martin Luther King Jr. service at Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Jan. 18 – an incident that officials say underscores the need for more security at houses of worship.
Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman says a man claiming to be an Uber driver walked into the church, roaming the halls of the sanctuary, eventually making his way onto the stage before the congregation.
“He eventually had to be removed from the church. His intentions were not clear, but his actions filled the church with a sense of fear during an MLK Day celebration. We need to be more proactive and demand security at houses of worship – of all faiths – instead of reacting after something has gone terribly wrong,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker.
Waterman is now asking for city officials to provide equal protection to places of worship.
“You went to a synagogue or a mosque there's no way in the world you can roam around the whole place without someone telling you we do not do that here. I don't feel that the Black church gets the same respond," Waterman said.
“This incident underscores the need for security at all houses of worship in our communities,” said Attorney General Letitia James in prepared remarks. “As Attorney General, it is my duty to protect the safety of all New Yorkers, and I will continue working with my partners in government to keep our most sacred spaces safe.”
