Florida Man Arrested After False Bomb Threat at Greek Orthodox Church

Isaac Lopez. Photo: Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation

MIAMI — A 27-year-old man was arrested Monday after authorities say he disrupted Sunday services at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Kendall by falsely claiming to have a bomb in his backpack.

As reported by the Miami Herald and CBS News Miami, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said Isaac Lopez was acting erratically during the Divine Liturgy when an usher confronted him about his bag. Lopez allegedly replied, “It’s a bomb,” before handing the backpack over.

Deputies said a loud, high-pitched alarm — later identified as coming from Lopez's phone and possibly intended to identify a countdown — was heard minutes later, rattling worshippers. As parishioners exited, Lopez shouted “Allahu Akbar” before leaving the church, according to the arrest report.

A view of the church from the back of the nave. Photo: St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church/Facebook

Several parishioners who knew Lopez gave deputies his information, leading to his arrest the following day. The report added that Lopez is known to the church. He was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of making a false bomb threat and disturbing a religious service, with bond set at $7,650.

Previously, UOJ reported that residents are grieving the destruction of All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a century-old parish in Canada lost to arson following a violent crime spree on Sept. 21.

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