A former employee of Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, has been arrested after allegedly threatening children at the Christian camp. Mario Bernal, 23, was taken into custody on June 22 for making a terroristic threat, claiming he would "create the next Columbine shooting" if the campers "pissed him off." This alarming incident has raised serious concerns about safety in environments meant to nurture faith and community among youth.
According to a press statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Bernal was arrested with assistance from the Livingston Police Department. He is currently being held at the Polk County Jail on a $50,000 bond. The camp administration stated that Bernal was terminated on June 20 after violating disciplinary protocols, which included locking children in a hot room as a form of punishment.
Camp Cho-Yeh, established in 1947, prides itself on being a premier Christian camp and retreat center. In a statement, camp officials emphasized their commitment to safety, noting that they take threats seriously, even if made in jest. "We don’t take threats lightly," the camp said, expressing gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement. Fortunately, no weapons were found during the arrest.
Witnesses have reported that Bernal’s threats included alarming references to the tragic Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Court documents reveal that he threatened to "clock himself out" if he were fired, indicating a disturbing mindset. Additionally, he allegedly stated that if the camp pursued legal action against him, he would "not go down by himself."
This incident is not an isolated one for Bernal. He was previously charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse in March, leading to a protective order against him. Despite this history, Camp Cho-Yeh maintained that Bernal passed a rigorous background check before his employment. The camp’s hiring process includes a detailed application, interviews, reference checks, and extensive background screenings, which reportedly returned clear results.
Livingston Police Chief Matt Parrish commented on the seriousness of threats made against the community, especially concerning children. He praised the prompt and thorough investigation by his department and the Sheriff’s Office, underscoring the importance of community safety.
The incident at Camp Cho-Yeh serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in all environments, particularly those entrusted with the care of young people. As Christian communities continue to foster faith and growth, it is crucial to prioritize safety and accountability to ensure that such incidents do not tarnish the mission of nurturing faith in a secure setting.
For more information about Camp Cho-Yeh and its mission, visit their official website here.
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