Victor Marx said a teenage girl became possessed while he prayed for her inside a maximum-security youth facility, according to newly resurfaced podcast audio.

Colorado Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx claimed he personally confronted Satan while praying over an incarcerated teenage girl, according to resurfaced audio that is bringing renewed scrutiny to the extraordinary stories underpinning his public persona.

“Hey, I’ve met the devil,” Marx said. “I’ve met Satan in person, through a person.”

The recording comes from a two-part episode of Marx’s podcast published on YouTube in February 2020. The audio was resurfaced by Talking Points Memo, which asked Marx to provide evidence corroborating the alleged encounter.

Marx, an evangelical minister, Marine Corps veteran, and founder of All Things Possible Ministries, narrowly won Colorado’s June 30 Republican gubernatorial primary. He will face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in November.

The Republican nominee did not respond to the outlet’s questions about supporting evidence or the apparent differences between his podcast account and statements he has made more recently on the campaign trail.

‘I Am Satan’

Marx said the encounter occurred while he was praying for a girl inside what he described as the largest maximum-security youth prison in Texas.

“I’m going to tell you right now, I was praying for a girl in a youth prison, the largest one in Texas, maximum security,” Marx said. “This girl started manifesting a demon. It was so real that all the other locked-up girls, all the other gang members, man, they all kind of huddled in a corner.”

According to Marx, he asked the alleged entity to identify itself.

“I am Satan,” he recalled it saying in a deep growl.

Marx emphasized that he intended listeners to take the story literally.

“If you think I’m joking, I’m not,” he said.

“This demon was — it was horrible — just really manifested pretty nasty,” Marx continued. “It’s a little girl. She’s a little girl, a pretty girl, just adorable, just like a little girl you want to bring home and just make her your daughter, except she had a demon in her.”

Marx said the girl — or what he believed was an entity speaking through her — anticipated that he would characterize her condition as possession.

“All of a sudden this demon goes, ‘I guess you’re going to say I’m possessed,’” Marx recalled. “And I just started laughing. I was like, ‘I don’t think I have to. It’s kind of obvious.’”

Marx said his laughter angered the alleged demon.

Marx Says Prayer ‘Delivered’ the Girl

Marx described using Christian prayer to confront the entity and command it to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ.

“I was like, ‘Well, whoever you are, you know, Christ — you got to come under authority of the Lord Jesus Christ right now,’” he said.

“Because, see, Satan, he’s not equal to God,” Marx continued. “He’s a created being. He’s a fallen angel.”

Marx concluded the account by claiming that the prayer successfully freed the girl from the demonic presence.

“Long story longer, that girl did get delivered,” he said.

The recording does not contain audio from the purported encounter itself. No prison records, contemporaneous witness accounts, medical documentation, or other independent evidence substantiating Marx’s version of events have been made public.

Marx also did not identify the girl or the facility where he said the encounter occurred.

Story Resembles Account in Marx’s Book

Details in the podcast appear to correspond with an encounter Marx described in his 2024 book, “The Dangerous Gentleman: A Call for Men to Be Courageous in a Culture of Fear.”

In that version, Marx wrote that an incarcerated girl “turned reptilian” during a confrontation and displayed unusual physical characteristics, including changed eyes, pointed ears, and “superhuman strength.”

He also claimed that he could smell sulfur and rotten eggs.

Marx has said photographic evidence existed of at least one purported physical transformation. He has not publicly released that image in response to media requests.

The resurfaced audio is politically significant because Marx has made spiritual warfare a visible part of his public identity while resisting descriptions of himself as an exorcist.

Candidate Has Downplayed ‘Exorcist’ Label

During a May interview with Kyle Clark of Denver’s NBC affiliate 9News, Marx said the exorcist label was based partly on a joke.

“I never call it possession,” he said.

That characterization appears difficult to reconcile with the 2020 podcast, in which Marx said the girl’s alleged possession was “obvious.”

Marx generally describes his practices as prayer, deliverance, or spiritual warfare rather than exorcism. He has argued that formal exorcisms are performed by Catholic priests.

A 9News investigation into Marx’s teachings reviewed more than 100 hours of his sermons, podcast appearances, and speeches. The station reported that his ministry promotes prayers intended to remove demons associated with behaviors or conditions including violence, homosexuality, and low self-esteem.

Marx has said those prayers can be conducted remotely over the telephone.

WATCH: Marx responds to questions about exorcisms, demonic possession, and his personal history

Other Extraordinary Claims Draw Questions

Marx has made an extraordinary personal biography central to both his nonprofit work and political campaign.

He describes himself as a “high-risk humanitarian” who has conducted approximately 150 missions in Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. His ministry says it assists women and children affected by trafficking, warfare, and abuse.

Marx has also claimed that he rescued thousands of people, confronted smugglers along the southern border, and helped call in an American airstrike that killed 70 Islamic State fighters.

He has said his abusive stepfather forced him to participate in killing a man when Marx was 7 years old. Marx later clarified that his stepfather allegedly pulled the trigger while Marx held the gun.

Some of those accounts have not been independently verified. Reporters have also questioned discrepancies in figures previously publicized by his ministry, including a claim that it had rescued more than 45,000 women and children.

When Clark asked how voters should determine whether Marx had lived “one of the most extraordinary lives in human history” or was misrepresenting his record, the candidate pointed to years of videos and people familiar with his work.

“The proof is just in people and what we document,” Marx responded. “I can’t help it if I’ve had an extraordinary life.”

In one 9News interview, Marx declined to confirm specific details about his claimed rescue missions.

Exorcism Stories Enter Governor’s Race

Marx received approximately 40% of the Republican primary vote, defeating state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer by fewer than 2,500 votes after a close count that was not called until July 9.

Kirkmeyer did not endorse him following her defeat.

Marx enters the general election as an underdog against Weiser in a state that has moved decisively toward Democrats. No Republican has won a Colorado gubernatorial election since 2002.

The nominee has attempted to limit appearances with traditional news organizations and proposed holding a single general election debate with Weiser without a moderator.

Marx also did not attend a scheduled debate with Weiser and independent candidate Greg Lopez as questions about his previous statements intensified.

The resurfaced recording ensures that voters will hear the most extraordinary of those claims in Marx’s own words: He believes he met Satan inside a Texas youth prison — and prevailed.

A reported shooting at a Virginia elementary school triggered a massive emergency response and precautionary lockdowns Wednesday morning before authorities announced that the scene had been secured and every student and staff member was safe.

Law enforcement rushed to Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro following reports of gunfire shortly before 10 a.m. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office later described the incident as “contained and secured.”

“The children are safe and are being evacuated from the school,” Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said, according to Rocktown Now.

Smith urged parents not to travel directly to the school, warning that responding buses and emergency vehicles needed unobstructed access to the area.

“All Westwood students, teachers, and staff are accounted for and are safe,” Waynesboro Public Schools subsequently announced.

Students Reunited With Their Families

Students were evacuated to a designated staging area before being reunited with their parents and guardians at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Mount Vernon Street.

Other Waynesboro schools were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution. Nearby Augusta County schools in the Wilson and Stuarts Draft areas also briefly operated under heightened security before returning to normal activities.

Shortly after noon, Waynesboro Public Schools announced that the lockdown affecting its schools had been lifted.

“We appreciate your cooperation, understanding and patience through this process,” the district said. “All students from Westwood have been released to their parents and guardians at this time.”

Officials said law enforcement officers would remain at school locations “out of an abundance of caution,” but emphasized again that all students, teachers and staff were safe.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that agents were responding to what it called a “reported shooting incident.” Local outlets reported that one adult was injured, although authorities had not immediately identified that person or publicly explained the circumstances leading to the shooting.

WTVR reported, citing its Crime Insider sources, that the suspected shooter was also shot. The person’s condition was not immediately disclosed, and police had not released information about a possible motive.

Governor Monitoring Investigation

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she was monitoring the emergency as law enforcement worked to clear the school.

“My heart is with these young students, their parents and families, and the teachers and staff at the school,” Spanberger wrote on X. “Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene.”

Authorities continued investigating Wednesday afternoon and asked the public to avoid the immediate area.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

A Bank of America vice president was fatally stabbed during a horrifying daylight knife rampage in New York City’s Times Square on Monday, according to police.

Erin Piacenti, 32, of Chester, New Jersey, was attacked near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue shortly before 4:30 p.m. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital with a stab wound to her abdomen but could not be saved, CBS News New York reported.

Police identified the alleged attacker as Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens.

Investigators said the violence began near West 41st Street, where Cisneros allegedly removed two large knives from a red shopping bag and approached a 68-year-old man who had just exited the subway. The man was standing with his wife and waiting to cross the street when Cisneros allegedly stabbed him in the abdomen without warning.

Cisneros then continued north along Seventh Avenue and attacked Piacenti seconds later, police said. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described both stabbings as “random and unprovoked.”

The two attacks unfolded within approximately 20 seconds, according to ABC7 New York.

Witnesses alerted nearby officers, who confronted Cisneros as she moved toward the NYPD substation in Times Square. Officers repeatedly ordered her to drop the knives during a roughly four-minute confrontation, but she refused, Tisch said.

“I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you,” Cisneros allegedly told the officers before repeating, “I will kill you.”

Police deployed Tasers twice, but neither stopped her. Two officers opened fire when Cisneros advanced toward them while still armed with both knives, according to authorities.

Cisneros was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The 68-year-old victim remained hospitalized in stable condition.

“This was an extraordinarily dangerous situation unfolding in the heart of Times Square,” Tisch said, emphasizing that thousands of tourists, commuters and workers were nearby. Police said there was no indication that the attack was connected to terrorism.

Piacenti worked in Bank of America’s global corporate and investment banking division as vice president of business selection and conflicts, The Wall Street Journal reported. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 and Fordham University School of Law in 2021.

She had also celebrated her second wedding anniversary just three weeks before the attack, according to The New York Post.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” Bank of America said in a statement obtained by CBS News. “She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed.”

Police said Cisneros had a documented history of mental health-related encounters with the NYPD in 2018 and 2019 but no prior arrests.

The NYPD Force Investigation Division is reviewing the officers’ use of deadly force. The encounter was captured on police body cameras, and officials said the footage would be released publicly.

A veteran Florida sheriff's sergeant is facing felony charges — and the possible end of his law enforcement career — after authorities say he drunkenly harassed an elderly couple at a local restaurant before a confrontation erupted into a brief but chaotic fight.

Jason Stickels, 44, a sergeant with the Volusia Sheriff's Office, was arrested Monday following the incident at Merk's Bar & Grill in New Smyrna Beach.

Authorities say surveillance video and witness statements captured the entire encounter, which lasted roughly two minutes before bystanders intervened.

Alleged Restaurant Confrontation

According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, New Smyrna Beach police responded to the restaurant around 4:20 p.m. after receiving reports of a fight.

Investigators allege Stickels, who was off duty at the time, made unwanted physical contact with an elderly couple who were simply enjoying their afternoon meal.

The sheriff's office said Stickels "instigated and created unwanted contact" before the situation escalated.

According to investigators, Stickels allegedly approached a 71-year-old woman seated at a table and attempted to kiss her without consent.

When the woman's 77-year-old husband stepped in, police say the confrontation quickly became physical.

Surveillance Video Captured the Incident

Authorities said surveillance footage appears to show the husband pushing Stickels after the sergeant allegedly tried to kiss his wife.

Stickels then allegedly shoved the husband, triggering a brief struggle inside the restaurant.

Video also reportedly shows a waitress attempting to separate the two men before another customer stepped in, placed Stickels in a chokehold and brought him to the ground, ending the altercation.

Despite the physical confrontation, authorities said no injuries were reported.

Felony Charges Filed

Stickels was booked into jail on two felony counts of battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

He later posted a $5,000 bond on each charge.

The allegations have also triggered an internal personnel investigation that could permanently end his employment with the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's Office Moves Quickly

The Volusia Sheriff's Office said Stickels was immediately placed on administrative leave after his arrest.

Officials also required him to surrender his badge, firearm and other law enforcement equipment while disciplinary proceedings move forward.

The agency said the disciplinary process could result in termination.

Stickels has worked for the Volusia Sheriff's Office since 2004.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood Issues Public Rebuke

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood sharply criticized the veteran deputy following the arrest, describing the incident as an off-duty, alcohol-fueled meltdown.

Posting surveillance video from the restaurant on social media, Chitwood wrote:

"How to throw away your law enforcement career in 2 minutes. Off duty, stumbling drunk, harassing people who are just trying to enjoy their afternoon."

The sheriff also extended an offer to the elderly couple involved.

"To the couple involved, please let me buy your next lunch at Merk's."

Chitwood added that he would also like to thank the customer who intervened to stop the confrontation.

Officer Reportedly Enters Treatment

Following the arrest, Chitwood told WKMG that Stickels has entered a rehabilitation program.

The criminal case remains pending, while the Volusia Sheriff's Office continues its internal review to determine whether the veteran sergeant will remain employed or be fired.