Marietta Police say man threatened to shoot up church and kill people inside
MARIETTA, Ga. Jan 8 2018 – Marietta Police arrested a man who they said threatened to shoot up his church and kill fellow parishioners. Police said the pastor of the church is the one who turned him in.
Ken Ogbemudia, 42, was charged with terroristic threats. He was booked into the Cobb County Jail without bond.
Police said Ogbemudia sent texts and voicemails to a number of people who attend The Redeemed Christian Church of God Heaven’s Gate threatening them.
“The messages said he was going to shoot up the church and kill many of the members inside,” said Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy.
Investigators said a female friend of Ogbemudia, Karen James, told others that she bought weapons for Ogbemudia.
“She stated to the pastor and others at the church that she had gone and bought two AK-47’s and 600 rounds of ammunition,” said Officer McPhilamy.
Police said James denied buying any weapons when questioned and at this point police have not found any guns.
“We haven’t located the weapons, but we have to assume they exist. We have to assume this could have turned into a mass shooting at a church,” said Officer McPhilalmy.
Bible study at the church was canceled Friday night. The congregation was stunned.
“It’s shocking to everyone, everyone is shocked to hear that,” said Leuwagbemiah Ijidakinru who was at the church Friday evening.
“That baffles me. I don’t think a good Christian would do that kind of action because in the bible it says thou shall not kill,” said Ijidakinru.
Police say Ogbemudia is a 42-year old small business owner. He is originally from Nigeria and came to the United States in 2011. Police said his visa expired and Ogbemudia told them he is in the country illegally. Homeland Security is now investigating his immigration status.
