Man threatens churchgoers with machete in Memphis

A man in Memphis has been arrested for allegedly threatening churchgoers at a local Catholic church. Zachary Liberto, 30, was taken into custody after a dispute with the priest about damage to the baptismal pool. Police received reports on Friday from the priest and the church's music director regarding threats made by Liberto. He reportedly sent an email where he stated he would "butcher people in that church with a machete" unless he received specific video within 24 hours. The email threats were linked to a previous interaction between Liberto and one of the victims. The victims expressed concern for Liberto’s mental health and spoke of his history with a machete, which he calls “chete,” and a firearm he claims to possess. Investigators learned that Liberto has been living in a homeless encampment. He has been charged with a Commission Act of Terrorism and is being held on a bond of $200,100. Local church officials believe some prominent parishioners may have been targets of his threats.