Archbishop Sees Suspect’s Surrender As Graced Event

MOST REVEREND WILTON D. GREGORY, Archbishop of Atlanta

Published: March 17, 2005

The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is reflected in the Fulton County Justice Center Tower, Atlanta, just one block over from the Fulton County Courthouse where 64-year-old Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes and 46-year-old court reporter Julie Ann Brandau were killed March 11. Sgt. Hoyt Teasley was killed outside the courthouse. (Photo by Michael Alexander)

“Violence was an unwelcome visitor in our community last weekend. But then God’s grace also made a kind visit to us as well. What a courageous young woman Ashley Smith was. She had the presence of mind and heart to help bring an awful moment to a quiet conclusion. At the very hour that Brian Nichols was surrendering to the authorities, several hundred of us were at Mass at our Cathedral where we prayed for all those who had been killed, wounded, or terrorized. Our prayers were answered during that Mass. May our community heal from this horror, and may all those who worked for our safety and comfort be rewarded for their bravery and dedication.”