(Sacramento, CA) —A tense situation unfolded on Ash Wednesday at St. Mary Parish in East Sacramento when an off-duty Sacramento Police Department detective prevented what could have been a tragedy.
Around 9:30 a.m. on February 18, during an all-school mass, the detective—attending as a parent observer—noticed a suspicious individual approaching the church and requesting entry. Acting on instinct, the detective engaged the man and discovered a loaded handgun concealed on his person. The detective swiftly disarmed the suspect and detained him until uniformed officers arrived.
Police identified the suspect as Brian Richard Girardot, age 20, of Sacramento. According to jail records, Girardot was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on February 18. He faces a felony charge under PC 626.9(B): Bringing or Possessing Firearms on Grounds of a Public School.
Sacramento Police Department praised the detective’s quick action, stating:
“We are extremely grateful for our off-duty detective’s keen eye, instinct, and dedication to protecting our community.”
(Screenshot of community reaction on Nextdoor by Sarah Denos, OpGov.ai.)
The incident sparked strong reactions on Nextdoor, where residents expressed gratitude and concern. Tim Mallory wrote, “That officer should be recognized for the outstanding job! That’s so awesome!!” Martha G. echoed the sentiment, saying, “See something say something… good thing the person who saw him first was an experienced LEO 💙.” Jake Tuschinski added, “See something say something was my first thought as well. It takes a village for a safe village.”
Others reflected on broader issues. Ava Rao commented, “Remember there was a civilian at Yale who thought the mass shooter there was suspicious and tried to follow him; it could have prevented the mass shooting if he had been a campus security. Unfortunately, there is no nationwide gun restraining order process.” Helen G. shared a personal note: “He dropped off a younger relative! Mental health issues… I hope and pray for better and safer days for us.”
Several residents stressed the importance of awareness and coverage. Terri Lynn wrote, “Saw that on the news, thank goodness he noticed something was wrong.” Tami Cholger added, “Not enough talk or coverage on this. Crisis was averted, now it's forgotten news.” And Frank Romo summed up the community’s gratitude: “Great job Detective, you were at the right place, right time, averting a potential catastrophe. The SPD has great officers working the streets, keeping the citizens safe. Thank you!”
According to the Department of Justice, Girardot—a former student at St. Mary Catholic Church/St. Mary Parish School—dropped off a younger relative that morning before returning around 9:30 a.m. He walked onto the property of St. Mary Catholic Church during an Ash Wednesday mass that had begun at 8 a.m. and approached the front entrance carrying a loaded firearm. Authorities also discovered additional ammunition and a camouflage jacket in his vehicle parked nearby.
Federal officials confirmed that law enforcement executed a search warrant at Girardot’s residence, where investigators found a stack of handwritten notes in his bedroom containing references to suicide and threats.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Police Department are jointly conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case. DOJ stated that, in addition to the federal charge, Girardot faces criminal charges in state court.
If convicted, Girardot faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison. Any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court after considering applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which account for multiple variables. These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Picture of St Mary Parish provided by the church website. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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