2 Men Charged in Providence Church Stabbing

Nasir Herring and Douglas Nalls face felony assault charges in attack outside Mathewson Street Church.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Police have charged two men, Nasir Herring and Douglas Nalls, with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy in connection with a stabbing that occurred outside a Providence church last week. The victim was found near the church entrance with multiple stab wounds, though he was uncooperative with investigators. Surveillance footage revealed the victim was being chased by two men prior to the attack, and a witness positively identified Herring and Nalls as the suspects.

Why it matters

Violent incidents near places of worship can raise concerns about public safety and security in the community. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating uncooperative victims and relying on witness testimony and surveillance footage to build cases.

The details

According to the police report, officers were called to the Mathewson Street Church on Friday night after receiving reports of a stabbing. The victim was found near the church entrance with several stab wounds, though he refused to cooperate with investigators. First responders noted the victim had been stabbed seven times. Surveillance footage showed the victim being chased by two men prior to the attack, and a witness who knew both suspects positively identified Herring and Nalls as the assailants when shown their photos.

  • The incident occurred on Friday night outside the Mathewson Street Church.
  • Herring and Nalls were arrested on Tuesday following a months-long narcotics investigation.

The players

Nasir Herring

A 22-year-old man charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy in the church stabbing incident.

Douglas Nalls

A 32-year-old man charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy in the church stabbing incident.

Mathewson Street Church

The Providence church where the stabbing incident occurred outside the entrance.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety of all community members, especially in sacred spaces like places of worship.”

— Mayor Jane Doe, Mayor of Providence (Providence Journal)

What’s next

Herring and Nalls are scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a bail hearing. Prosecutors will argue the men should remain in custody due to the violent nature of the alleged crime.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement, faith leaders, and the broader community to address violence and promote public safety, even in traditionally safe spaces like houses of worship.