Baptist pastor defends showing children violent firing squad video during bible school

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Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRachel DobkinThursday 02 July 2026 22:41 BSTA church in Kentucky has sparked backlash after a bizarre skit showing the devil being executed by a firing squad at a youth event went viral (Google Earth)A church in Kentucky faced backlash after a video of a skit showing the devil being executed by a firing squad at a youth event went viral.The video, filmed at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church's vacation bible school in Lexington, prompted concerns about promoting violence and traumatizing children.The skit depicted individuals in camouflage with air rifles firing at a person dressed as the devil, who then flailed and was dragged outside, followed by a loud bang.Pastor Dewayne Walker defended the skit, stating it was "simply killing the devil" and part of a long-standing tradition at their vacation bible school.Critics, including gun violence prevention advocates and seminary professors, condemned the skit as "hideous" and an "appalling abuse" for exposing children to simulated violence.In fullKentucky church sparks backlash after bizarre skit showing the devil being executed by firing squad at youth eventMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in