SACRAMENTO, CA – A potentially dangerous situation at a Sacramento parish school was stopped before it reached students after an off-duty law enforcement parent detained an armed individual attempting to enter an Ash Wednesday Mass.

According to a statement released by St. Mary Parish School, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on February 18, 2026, during an all-school Mass attended by students. Church doors were locked under standard safety procedures, and parent observers were positioned both inside and outside the building.

A parent observer, identified as an off-duty law enforcement officer, noticed a suspicious adult male approaching the front entrance and requesting to attend Mass. After asking additional questions, the observer detained the individual and located a loaded firearm concealed on his person.

Sacramento Police Department officers arrived within minutes, took possession of the firearm, and arrested the man without incident. School officials confirmed that students remained safely inside throughout the Mass and were unaware of the situation until afterward.

Federal prosecutors later identified the suspect as 20-year-old Brian Richard Girardot Jr. of Sacramento. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, Girardot allegedly returned to the church property after dropping off a younger relative earlier that morning and attempted to enter the church while carrying a loaded firearm. Authorities said additional ammunition and a camouflage jacket were located in a nearby vehicle.

As reported by FOX40, investigators later discovered handwritten notes at Girardot’s home that contained references to suicide and threats. Law enforcement officials also located additional firearms during a search of the residence.

Girardot has been charged federally with possessing a firearm within a school zone and faces related charges in state court. Prosecutors stated that if convicted on the federal charge, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Diocese of Sacramento credited volunteer parent observers and established safety protocols for preventing the individual from entering the church and ensuring students remained protected. Diocese officials noted that Catholic schools operate active safety committees, conduct regular emergency drills, and coordinate training with law enforcement partners.