Parishioners give thanks to Las Cruces law enforcement
Members of Holy Cross Church still remember the moments of that day.
“And then you heard this pow and that’s when I looked up and I could see the papers flying in the air and that’s when the bomb went off,” Monsignor John Anderson of Holy Cross Church said.
But Sunday, they took a moment to say thanks. Anderson presented Las Cruces law enforcement agencies with certificates of recognition, as a thank you for their hard work and keeping parishioners safe.
“People are just coming and gathering in prayer, its been great,” Kiley Giacomelli with Holy Cross Church said.
Giacomelli says despite the bombings, attendance has been climbing.
“We haven’t been any smaller, in fact we have more people coming,” she said.
On Friday, a third device was found at First Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces. A church member told ABC-7 he saw a pipe with batteries and a timing device in the lawn where members of the Las Cruces High School marching band regularly practice. Police have not been able to confirm what type of device it was.
“We have all significantly, significantly contributed and those efforts are helping to bring us the resolution as quickly as possible,” Robert White, an assistant agent in charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said.
Holy Cross Church is currently looking into installing security cameras. The FBI has also prepped the church on what to do in case of an emergency.
“We’re writing it all down we’re trying to get the information they mention on what kind of cameras what kind of resolution,” Anderson said.
Police have advised all churches to increase security while the investigation continues. Until a suspect is found, they urge the community to remain vigilant.
“Americans, Las Crucens, we all stick together and when something like happens we kind of rise to the top,” Jaime Montoya, Las Cruces Chief of Police, said.
Las Cruces Police Spokesman Rob Guiterrez says that officers continue to do regular patrols around churches. He says they’re actively speaking to community members and asking them if they’ve seen anything suspicious.
