Chance Harrison stabbed two people during a Bible study at a church in Chantilly, Virginia on Saturday. Harrison, 32, was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding, one count of felony assault on a police officer and one count of a misdemeanor charge.
Harrison entered Grace Covenant Church and began yelling before stabbing a pastor leading the study.
He also stabbed a staff member when one man intervened, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.
“Harrison was subsequently confronted and subdued by Chief [Edwin C.] Roessler and several others. A knife believed to have been used by Harrison was recovered from the scene,” the Police blog says.
Roessler restrained Harrison until the police arrived and suffered minor injuries but is expected to be okay.
“We are in prayer for all the injured. We are grateful for the courage exhibited that prevented worse from happening” Grace Covenant Pastor Brett Fuller said in a statement.
“Lastly, we want to thank the broader community for their outpouring of concern and support in this time.”
The pastor says the two church members came and “risked their own lives to defend him.”
“People who are baptized, people who want to become members and people who want to strengthen their faith are offered these classes,” church member Catherine McGuire says. “They talk about biblical foundations and what the church stands upon. It gives opportunities for people to share their coming to faith or their interests in the gospel.”
There was no prior indication Harrison had problems with the church or those in attendance.
-Corine Gatti Santillo