Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 14 February 2025

Faith-Based Security Headlines

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.

Indiana teen accused of plotting Valentine’s Day school shooting was inspired by the Parkland massacre

Trinity Shockley, an 18-year-old student from Mooresville High School in Indiana, was arrested for allegedly plotting a mass school shooting inspired by the 2018 Parkland, Florida, massacre. Investigators discovered that Shockley had been planning the attack for over a year, intending to carry it out during lunchtime. She reportedly admired Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, and had materials related to him, including posters and buttons. Shockley also possessed an AR-15 assault rifle and bulletproof vest. She faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and two terrorism-related charges.

Would-be Mooresville school shooter had collage of mass murderers, court docs reveal

Analyst Comments:

Shockley’s situation emphasizes the critical need to identify behavioral warning signs at an early stage. Despite her detailed planning, Shockley was stopped before carrying out the attack, which highlights the importance of public vigilance, monitoring, and law enforcement intervention in preventing these tragedies. SchoolSafety.gov offers resources on Threat Assessment and Reporting to assist in identifying, reporting, and addressing safety concerns that can help reduce the threat of targeted violence and enhance student safety.

Additionally, CISA posted the Supporting Safe and Secure K-12 Schools blog, which highlights CISA’s School Safety Task Force (SSTF).

Christian Groups Sue US Government Over Immigration Arrests at Churches

Christian groups in the U.S. have filed a lawsuit against the government over immigration arrests made in churches. They argue that such arrests violate religious freedom and hinder churches’ ability to offer sanctuary and humanitarian services. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to stop these actions unless a court warrant or urgent circumstances are involved. Faith leaders emphasize that churches have long been places of safety and refuge, and argue that immigrants should not live in fear within these spaces. Some conservative voices support the government’s policy, stating that churches should not be used as sanctuaries for illegal activities.

PC(USA) joins religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches

Analyst Comments:

This case highlights the conflict between safeguarding religious freedoms and enforcing immigration laws. The challenge lies in finding a legal balance between ensuring public safety and respecting the rights of sanctuaries. The DOJ offers a document discussing the Federal Law Protection for Religious Liberty here. As always, a change in administrations brings uncertainty and a shifting of priorities. FB-ISAO will continue to monitor and report on any updates which may be relevant to the faith-based community.

39 cases of arson against synagogues, most were closed

A recent Knesset debate revealed concerning statistics about damage to religious institutions in Israel. Over the past five years, 39 investigations were launched for synagogue arson, with over half of the cases-23 in total-remaining unsolved. Seven incidents were deemed nationalist-motivated attacks. Additionally, 18 thefts of Torah scrolls were reported, but only five led to indictments, with 14 occurring in synagogues and prayer sites.

Analyst Comments:

The identification of some synagogue arson cases as nationalist-motivated attacks raises concerns about the rise of politically-driven violence in Israel. The desecration of synagogues and theft of sacred items is likely to have significant psychological and emotional effects on the communities. US Fire Admin: Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson

U.S. Fire Administration (fema.gov) (Home Page 5-1-24 Arson Awareness Week is May 5-11)

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More Faith-Based Stories

(NM): Santa Fe police arrest man accused of making bomb threats at hospital and church

(CA): San Diego resident charged in vandalism spree of places of worship

(KS): Pastor shares message for thieves after W. Wichita church targeted in multiple break-ins

(MA): Attleboro church sustains $100K worth of damage in attic fire

PC(USA) joins religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches

Church Joins Suit Challenging ICE Raids

(TX): Texas churches sue Trump to stop immigration arrests at houses of worship

When Worship Is Disrupted: How Congregations Can Respond and Prepare

(MI): University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker: When Antisemitism Hits Home