A Kentucky church is facing widespread criticism after a video circulated online showing a mock firing squad performance at a children's Bible school. The incident occurred at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Lexington, where individuals dressed in military costumes appeared to simulate the execution of a person portraying the devil.
The video, initially posted on TikTok before being removed, depicted the costumed actors storming into the church, firing mock weapons at the figure on the altar, and then dragging the "devil" away as children in the pews chanted.
Following the social media backlash, Pastor Dewayne Walker addressed the incident in a Facebook video, characterizing the reactions as "misinformation" and asserting the video was taken out of context. Walker explained that the skit is an annual tradition aimed at making church "fun" and that the "commandos for Christ" have been a part of the program for years.
"The clip you saw was simply killing the Devil," Walker stated, adding that while some might find it extreme, the devil uses extreme measures in the current generation. He acknowledged that some community members interpreted the video as suggesting the church condones killing those with differing beliefs, which he denied.
"What you saw, that little snippet, is not even close to what we're about," Walker said, apologizing if the performance was misunderstood. "It was not the intention, ever."
The performance drew sharp condemnation from various groups. The Kentucky chapter of Moms Demand Action described the video as "unbelievably disturbing." Lexington resident Kathi Crowe stated that Bible school should be a "safe space for children" and that subjecting them to a "simulated tactical raid and firing squad" was an "appalling abuse of that space."
Lexington police confirmed they received multiple calls and concerns regarding the video but stated that no criminal activity was involved.