Dominican Republic Church Attack

[ZealouslyStriving]

There are early reports that a chapel in Bajos de Haina, DR was attacked by a man using a chemical agent in a toy gun. One person was hospitalized, but is doing fine.

[longview]

2 Nephi 28:20

“For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.”

[JVW]

3 hours ago, ZealouslyStriving said:

There are early reports that a chapel in Bajos de Haina, DR was attacked by a man using a chemical agent in a toy gun. One person was hospitalized, but is doing fine.

Any news articles or anything??

[ZealouslyStriving]

8 minutes ago, JVW said:

Any news articles or anything??

Not yet... When one pops up, I'll link it.

[Chum]

per https://www.ldsdaily.com/church-lds/chemical-attack-at-latter-day-saint-meetinghouse-dominican-republic
 

Quote

According to a statement shared by the Church through social media:  
The incident began when an individual entered the chapel and attempted to intimidate and assault those present.
The individual was reportedly carrying a manipulated toy gun designed to resemble a real weapon, along with a homemade caustic substance described as having low effect
Church leaders and members in attendance acted swiftly, preventing the situation from escalating further. Several individuals experienced mild effects after coming into contact with the substance and received immediate treatment at the site.

 

 

 

[Pyreaux]

There are multiple local reports in Spanish, and an official church statement confirm that an incident took place at an LDS chapel in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic, during a Sunday meeting on December 14, 2025.

https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/declaraci-oacute-n-de-la-iglesia-de-jesucristo-de-los-santos-de-los--uacute-ltimos-d-iacute-as-tras-incidente-en-una-de-sus-capillas

An individual entered a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Haina 1 neighborhood (Bajos de Haina) to threaten, intimidate or terrorize those present. According to church and local reports, the person was carrying a modified toy gun made to look like a real firearm and a homemade chemical/caustic substance that he attempted to use during the disruption. 

But Church leaders and attendees reacted quickly and intervened to restrain or neutralize the attacker before the situation escalated. Police then detained the individual.

The Chemical Substance

The attacker used a homemade device, a toy gun disguised as a real gun to disperse a chemical/caustic substance. For which one person was hospitalized out of caution/observation and is reported to be doing fine. Others experienced minor irritation or effects, with no lasting injuries reported.

The specific chemical has NOT been publicly identified. Authorities and the Church have intentionally avoided naming the substance. There is no official confirmation that it was ammonia, bleach or fuel or any other specific agent. Because they are clearly fearing a copycat.

This incident appears to be the first of its kind reported in that area and has prompted discussions within the local community about safety and vigilance in places of worship.

[The Nehor]

Sounds like their gun control laws work. I wish more of our mass shootings in the US were launched using squirt guns filled with mildly caustic substances.

[Kenngo1969]

A scripture does come to mind: "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall speak all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.  Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.  For so persecuted they the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5:11-13.

I hope no one experiences any lingering ill effects from this incident and that everyone, including the perpetrator, gets the help they each need.