Memphis Man Charged with Terrorism for Threatening Churchgoers

Zachary Liberto, a 30-year-old man, was arrested by Memphis Police after allegedly threatening to 'butcher' churchgoers at St. Louis Catholic Church. The threats arose following a verbal altercation with the church's pastor over damage to the baptismal pool, after which Liberto sent an email stating he required a video of a church member being slapped before he would commit violence. Liberto, known to carry a machete, also made threatening statements during a recorded phone conversation, indicating he would not tolerate being mocked. He has been charged with the Commission of Act of Terrorism and is being held on a bond of $200,100. Both victims expressed concerns regarding Liberto's potential mental health issues, highlighting the urgency of law enforcement's swift action to prevent any violence. The Catholic Diocese of Memphis has emphasized the importance of safety and security on church grounds.