There were some tense moments inside Blessed Sacrament Church in Erie on Sunday evening when a parishioner shouted out the person seated next to him had a gun and told others to "get down."

It happened near the end of the 7:30 p.m. mass at the church on W. 26th St.

Erie News Now talked to people in the service who said it sent the church into a panic as people ran for the exits.

Parishioners held the person down until police arrived and took him in for questioning.

Officers told Erie News Now the man, who is 20 years old, had a BB gun in his pocket. Authorities said he never took it out or threatened anyone, but a person next to him noticed the end of it and reacted.

The man questioned also had a bag with him that had nothing but clothing inside.

He is not facing any criminal charges at this time.

Bishop Lawrence Persico on Monday released a statement on the incident, which reads in part:

"I thank God no one was hurt in this situation. There is a heightened awareness in our communities due to the many tragedies related to gun violence and to so much loss of life in our country, including in recent months. People are understandably paying attention and even taking action in situations that seem suspect.

We pray for all of the people who attended Mass last evening — it was a frightening and confusing situation. We also pray for the young man involved.

Churches and other places of worship are as at risk as schools and businesses today. We are continually working to create safe and secure places where people can worship in peace and safety. On more than one occasion I have called for stricter gun laws. Until that occurs, people will remain on high alert. At the same time, I have said we must work to strengthen families and improve access to mental health care and early intervention."

The full statement is available here.