#USA #PA – Authorities arrested a 37-year-old Exton man Tuesday morning after he posted alarming threats on social media targeting St. Pius X Church and School in Marple Township, Delaware County.
Christopher M. Henderson faced charges of terroristic threats, a third-degree felony, after posting messages that included threats to send “non-believers” to hell and claiming he was en route to the parish. Police acted swiftly following reports from community members, preventing any potential harm at the active church and school where Mass was underway.
Marple Township Police Chief Brandon M. Graeff said officers received notifications of disturbing Facebook posts focused on the church. Henderson had been on the department’s radar after visiting the area on Sunday and making concerning statements to officers, including a remark about the possibility of someone shooting up the place.
Officers from Newtown Township spotted and stopped Henderson’s vehicle on West Chester Pike. They detained him without incident; he was unarmed at the time of arrest. Police secured the St. Pius X campus and maintained a presence through the end of the school day.
Henderson was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Michael A. Burns. A judge set bail at $500,000, along with conditions including a mental health evaluation and a stay-away order from Marple Township. Unable to post bail, he was committed to Delaware County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 25.
St. Pius X, which serves a parish and operates a Catholic school on Lawrence Road, issued alerts to parents. Officials emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Henderson has family ties in the Broomall area, though authorities have not confirmed any direct prior connection to the parish. His posts reportedly referred to unspecified targets but used explicit and threatening language that alarmed investigators.
Image: Christopher M. Henderson, held in Delaware County Prison.
