HUDSON – A Hillsdale man was committed to the Columbia County Jail after he disrupted the Sunday morning mass at St. Mary’s Church in the City of Hudson.
Cameron Jamieson, 47, was charged with making a terroristic threat for allegedly entering the church at about 9:40 a.m. while wearing a mask and a long black cloak and shouting “all hail” toward the congregation and church officials.
He then proceeded to walk toward the church’s front altar brandishing a glass bottle raised over his head.
Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said prompt action by several parishioners resulted in his apprehension until the police arrived. The chief said the alarming nature of Jamieson’s conduct left many congregants fearful and apprehensive with concerns raised about the potential presence of an explosive device or firearm.
Following his apprehension, police transported him to Columbia Memorial Hospital for a mental health evaluation. After being discharged from the hospital, Jamieson was arraigned and committed to the county jail in lieu of $3,000 cash bail or bond.
Chief Franklin extended her “sincere gratitude to the church members for their quick thinking and bravery in stepping in to assist before law enforcement arrived.” She said there would be an increased presence near St. Mary’s Church “to offer reassurance and support during this time of heightened concern.”
