Philadelphia authorities are investigating the discovery of an 18-inch pipe bomb behind a Catholic church one day after a prominent bishop was apparently murdered in Los Angeles.
The area around St. Dominic Catholic Church on Frankford Ave. was blocked off as the bomb squad removed the explosive device. No one was injured in the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and police have not released further details. The placement of the explosive device behind the church comes on the heels of several months of left-wing protests and attacks on churches and crisis pregnancy centers after the demise of Roe v. Wade.
The bomb’s discovery came only one day after David O’Connell, the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, was shot to death in his home. The church leader was known for his strong pro-life positions and was praised by members of his parish as a man of strength and faith.
BREAKING: 18-inch pipe bomb discovered near train tracks behind Philadelphia churchhttps://t.co/0ag6hFFbVB
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) February 19, 2023
Archbishop of Los Angeles Jose H. Gomez said in a statement Sunday that “we are deeply disturbed and saddened by this news. Let us pray for law enforcement as they continue their investigation into this terrible crime.”
One of the mourners who held candles and prayed on the street Saturday evening remembered O’Connell from his appearances at anti-abortion rallies around the area. Glendy Perez described the bishop as a “soft-spoken and loving” person.
Los Angeles police describe O’Connell’s death as a murder but have not named a suspect or possible motive.
As for the pipe bomb in Philadelphia, it was positioned behind the church near passing train tracks. At this juncture, it is impossible to say if one or the other were targeted. However, it is well known that leftist radicals made several threats aimed at pro-life forces and places of worship.
The FBI was notably late in recognizing the very clear danger posed by abortion extremists against pro-life Christians. Recently the bureau even described traditionalist Catholics as possible domestic terrorists, but they glossed over the firebombings and vandalism of pro-life centers.
The brazen murder of a prominent church official should get the government’s attention, and the placement of a bomb near a Catholic church only adds to the suspicion. It is imperative that officials carefully investigate both instances and consider all possibilities.
