Man charged in Seneca priest’s death wrote about religion, more to local newspaper

KSNT ^ | 04/05/2025 | Alyssa Storm

[chajin]

Gary Hermesch, the man charged for allegedly shooting and killing a Catholic priest in Seneca had previously shared his opinions in a local newspaper.

From January 2021 to March 2024, Hermesch submitted entries to The Courier-Tribune, a newspaper covering Seneca and Nemaha County. The Courier-Tribune shared copies of six issues with 27 News, where Hermesch shared his thoughts on religion and a wide range of other topics in the ‘Letter to the Editor’ column...

[chajin]

You'll have to read the perp's comments for yourself...

[Leaning Right]

Some people are serious religious fanatics. They will kill to further their beliefs. Other people are crazy. They will kill just because they are crazy.

This guy seems to be in the second group.

The 2A is the best protection against either group. And so many churches have armed parishioners known to the pastor on security duty. But I’m sure the Catholic Church does not. That’s their right, of course.

[Jacquerie]

Murdering Catholic priests is not much of an issue at FR.

[rmichaelj]

And so many churches have armed parishioners known to the pastor on security duty. But I’m sure the Catholic Church does not.

Some Catholic parishes do, others don't. Whether it is allowed depends on the particular bishop's policies in that diocese.

It is a distinct possibility however that many parishioners carry without the priests knowledge. The more traditional a chapel is, the more likely someone is carrying.