ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO — A St. Charles man was arrested for threatening to shoot people in a St. Charles County church before a service. The St. Charles Police Department charged Joshua Ira Carrier with making a terrorist threat. Carrier was arrested on July 14.

According to court documents, three victims were in conversations with Carrier on July 14 when he threatened to harm people during the church service. Carrier reportedly told one of the victims that he was so angry he could kill five people in the church at that moment. The victim believed they might be one of his targets.

Court documents stated that Carrier had been mentally unstable for months. He was reportedly angry because he was not allowed to play the drums during worship services.

The victims said there were between 50 and 60 people in the church when Carrier made the threats. They also reported that Carrier implied a coworker who offered to shoot up the church. The church’s Bible study had to be canceled on July 17 because attendees feared for their safety.

Carrier also spoke with a second victim, telling them he gets so angry while driving that he wants to kill people. That victim was reportedly so frightened for their life that they refused to leave their residence, fearing Carrier would harm them.

A witness who attends the church and knows Carrier said Carrier mentioned the church lacks security and it would be easy to enter and harm people. The witness believed Carrier might come into the church to harm people.

Both the victims and the witness stated that Carrier is known to carry a gun during church services and is capable of carrying out his threats.

Carrier’s bond was held at $20,000 but has since been paid. He has a hearing scheduled for August 27. Carrier is to have no contact with his victims.