A 23-year-old former camp counselor has been arrested after allegedly threatening a mass shooting at a Christian summer camp in Texas if he was fired from his position.
Mario Bernal, of Vernal, Utah, was taken into custody on Sunday by Texas authorities after allegedly saying he would “create the next Columbine shooting” if campers at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston “pissed him off,” according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Alarming Threats and Termination
Bernal was reportedly under review for termination due to cruel behavior and mistreatment of children. According to an arrest affidavit cited by Fox 26 Houston, he repeatedly threatened to emulate the 1999 Columbine High School massacre — which left 13 dead — if the camp let him go.
One camp worker reported seeing Bernal lock children in a hot room and refuse to let them out as a form of punishment. Following the incident, he was fired.
Bernal allegedly warned that if the camp tried to “come at him legally,” he would “clock himself out” and “not go down by himself,” referencing a desire to retaliate violently.
Swift Police Response
The Livingston Police Department said it arrested Bernal near the entrance of the camp after receiving reports of the threats. He was spotted in a vehicle close to the property and taken into custody without incident.
“Threats to this community, especially involving our children, will always be taken seriously,” said Livingston Police Chief Matt Parrish. “I commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the swift response by our officers.”
Bernal has been charged with making terroristic threats. Authorities say there is no current threat to the camp or community.
