Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 16 June 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

The man suspected of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers is in custody after surrendering to the police

Early on the morning of June 14, a 57-year-old man with a background in private security and religious missionary work, carried out a politically motivated attack in Minnesota. He first went to the home of State Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin, posing as a police officer, and shot both Hoffman and his wife, although they are both expected to survive. Roughly an hour later, officers conducting a check on Rep. Melissa Hortman’s Brooklyn Park home encountered the shooter outside her residence. Hortman and her husband were shot and both died at the scene.

Authorities discovered Boelter’s vehicle nearby, with emergency lights and emergency gear, and containing a manifesto and hit-list of about 70 names mainly Democratic lawmakers and abortion-rights advocates. A manhunt ensued and the suspect was apprehended on June 15^th.

Related Articles:

• Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect captured
• Dem Assassin Is Armed Guard Boss With Anti-Abortion Hit-List
• What we know about the Minnesota shooting suspect
• Like School Shootings, Political Violence Is Becoming Almost Routine

Analyst Comments: The incident questions the growing need for enhanced personal security measures for public figures, not just politicians but religious leaders, community activities, and others who may be targeted for ideological or symbolic reasons. The suspect’s impersonation of law enforcement highlights critical vulnerabilities in public trust and first responder identification, which could be exploited in future incidents. In a heightened threat landscape, evidenced by recent targeted violence such as the assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO last December and the double shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum. This case reinforces the urgency for communities and institutions to prioritize threat awareness, reinforce access controls, and foster a culture of reporting suspicious behavior before it escalates.

NYPD ramps up security at Jewish sites across NYC after Israeli strikes on Iran

Israeli forces have shifted from their  June 13 attack of striking nuclear sites to targeting over 250 strategic and civilian infrastructure locations across Iran, including major energy plants, missile launchers, manufacturing facilities, Revolutionary Guard bases, and command centers. The assault has resulted in significant destruction: Iran has reported at least 224 fatalities including military personnel, nuclear scientists, and civilians, and more than 1,200 wounded with around 90% of those killed being non-combatants, according to Iranian officials. Additionally, more than 1,200 people have been wounded. With Israel saying the Iranian missiles killed a total of 24 people and wounded some 500 others.

The NYPD has increased security at Jewish, Israeli, and other sensitive sites across New York City following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure on June 13^th. The department emphasized that its “extra resources” deployment is a precautionary measure, working in close coordination with federal agencies, and that there are currently no known credible threats to the city. Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s Counterterrorism Unit have been closely monitoring developments.

Related Articles:

• Iran rejects ceasefire negotiations while under Israeli attack, official says
• Israel says many targets remain as it continues to trade strikes with Iran
• Trump told Israel not to kill Iran’s supreme leader, says report
• Community Security Recommendations Following the Military Action in Iran

Analyst Comments: The escalation between Israel and Iran represents a turning point, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure. The situation has sparked NYPD’s decision to increase protection at Jewish sites across New York City as a proactive measure, while the impacts are being felt across the globe. The Community Security Trust (CST) a charity that works to protect the Jewish community in Britain, said it was recommending vigilance and urged British Jews to follow “strict security measures”, while tens of thousands of demonstrators in the Netherlands donned red clothing and marched Sunday to protest the Dutch government’s policy toward Israel. Jewish communities have historically been targeted during the tension involving Israel, making a visible security not only a protective effort but reassurance to those communities. Jewish institutions are encouraged to strengthen relationships with law enforcement, conduct security assessments, train staff, develop emergency plans, and remain informed.

We have uploaded two products to FB-ISAO Slack related to this threat. The first is a Regional Security Update from the Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Members are encouraged to tap into their updates as the hostilities unfold. The second document is a DHS product that highlights cybersecurity threats, particularly distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks from hacktivist groups.

Did This Pastor Interfere with an ICE Arrest?

As we have previously reported a man riding a bicycle was arrested by ICE agents in the parking lot of Downey Memorial Christian Church in California. Church leadership and members confronted the officers, insisting they hadn’t consented to the arrest on the church’s property and began stepping dangerously close to the scene despite warnings. The pastor’s actions sparked questions about whether he was interfering with a lawful arrest. Legally, under California Penal Code §405a, even a non-violent, collective interference can constitute a felony meaning good intentions alone do not justify obstruction. Practically, criminals have been known to exploit places of worship grounds for sympathy or safety.

Analyst Comments: The article highlights the struggle between a moral instinct to protect members of a congregation while needing to also respect legal authorities. Leaders and members at places of worship are encouraged to remain calm, respectful, and observant during law enforcement activity, while utilizing the proper resources and protocols to protect their vulnerable members. This includes remaining educated on local and federal laws.

President Donald Trump on Sunday directed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities, a move that comes after large protests erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Organizations that fall into these areas should expect to see an increase in ICE operations.

• Useful resources:
• Responding to ICE in places of worship
• Guidance for Places of Worship: Immigration Enforcement

The Gate 15 Interview EP 59: Silo breaker on OSINT, Paul Revere and Ice Climbers!

The Gate 15 Interview is a monthly interview between Gate 15’s Founder and Managing Director, Andy Jabbour and guests from throughout the homeland security risk management community addressing a wide range of all-hazards topics and issues.

In this monthly interview Andy speaks with Brian Hein and Kristen Dalton with Silo breaker discussing:

• Brian and Kristen’s personal and professional backgrounds (did you know one of them played in two NCAA women’s basketball tournaments? And it wasn’t the guy known as “The Paul Revere of Cybersecurity.”).
• Silo breaker, OSINT and making intel useful. 
• Threats, challenges and mitigating risks.
• The power of communities, collaboration, and making connections (and of course, ISACs!)