Crime
Significant Police Presence at St. Louis City Hall Following False Active Shooter Alarm
Earlier today, a large police presence was observed at St. Louis City Hall following the activation of an active shooter alarm, prompting swift action from first responders.
Authorities have since confirmed that the alarm was a false alarm, and there was no threat to public safety.
The incident began when a sensor on the second floor of City Hall was triggered, inadvertently leading to the activation of the building’s active shooter alarm system.
In response, law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived at the scene as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all individuals in the building.
After conducting a thorough assessment of the premises, officials determined that there was no active shooter or danger.
Normal operations at City Hall have since resumed.
Conner Kerrigan, spokesperson for the City of St. Louis, provided the following statement:
“Earlier today, a sensor was activated on the second floor of City Hall, followed by the accidental activation of the active shooter alarm button. As a precautionary measure, first responders quickly arrived on the scene to ensure the safety of all individuals in the building. After a thorough assessment, it was confirmed that there was no active shooter or threat to public safety. City Hall operations have since resumed as normal.
We commend the swift response of our first responders and appreciate the cooperation of staff and visitors during this time. Public safety remains our top priority, and we are reviewing protocols to prevent accidental alarms in the future.”
City officials are actively reviewing the circumstances that led to the alarm’s activation and are exploring measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The City of St. Louis extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and to emergency responders for their professionalism during the incident.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.