It was hidden for centuries.
A security team member of a Texas church has been arrested for fabricating a story about a shooter threat aimed at the congregation. The incident took place at The Church at the Epicenter in Burnet County, located northwest of Austin, and was initially reported on October 6. The accused, 45-year-old Jacob Wayne Tarver, claimed that he had encountered two suspicious men outside the church, leading to an emergency response. However, investigations revealed that he had invented the entire situation.
Pastor Kyle Byrd, the church’s founder and senior leader, explained that the day had started normally. Byrd was informed by an associate about suspicious activity outside the building, but the service continued without alerting the congregation. According to Tarver’s version, he had noticed unusual behavior and went to investigate. He alleged that one of the men was standing near stacked rocks outside the church’s exit door and that he fired shots at them before they fled in a white minivan.
Authorities later discovered that Tarver had lied about key aspects of the event, including the confrontation and the shots fired. Local law enforcement clarified that there were no threats made toward the church or its members, and no weapons were brandished. Burnet County officials emphasized that the congregation’s safety had not been in jeopardy at any point and urged the public to remain vigilant but not fearful due to false information.
Tarver has been charged with making a false report, tampering with evidence, and deadly conduct. He remains in jail awaiting a bail hearing. Pastor Byrd expressed sorrow over the incident, noting that the church is devastated by the turn of events and that they have no clear understanding of why Tarver chose to fabricate the story. The church’s leadership and congregation are left heartbroken by the situation.