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.
Are You Equipped to Tackle the Rising Threat of Drones?
The article “Are You Equipped to Tackle the Rising Threat of Drones?” by Keith Graves on Christian Warrior Training highlights the growing concern of drone misuse targeting places of worship Drones, while beneficial in various sectors, can be exploited by malicious actors for surveillance and attacks on places of worship.
Key Points:
- Surveillance Risks: Drones can covertly monitor church premises, identifying security blind spots, entry points, and congregation patterns. This intelligence can aid in planning thefts, vandalism, or more severe attacks.
- Weaponization Threats: Beyond surveillance, drones can be modified to carry and deploy harmful payloads, such as explosives or chemicals, posing direct physical threats to congregants.
- Accessibility of Technology: The increasing availability and affordability of advanced drone technology make it easier for individuals with malicious intent to acquire and misuse drones.
- Real-World Precedents: Instances from global conflicts and criminal activities demonstrate how drones have been weaponized, emphasizing the need for vigilance even in local church settings.
Analyst Comments: Recommendations for all houses of worship:
- Awareness and Training: Houses of worships security teams should be educated about drone threats and trained in recognizing and responding to suspicious drone activity.
- Implement Detection Measures: Utilize technology and protocols to detect unauthorized drones in the vicinity of houses of worships properties.
- Develop Response Plans: Establish clear procedures for responding to drone threats, including evacuation plans and coordination with local law enforcement.
Neo-Nazi extremists guilty of planning terror attack on mosque
Three neo-Nazi extremists—Brogan Stewart, Christopher Ringrose, and Marco Pitzettu have been convicted of plotting terrorist attacks targeting mosques, synagogues, and Islamic centers in England. Operating under the self-styled Nazi-inspired cell “Einsatz 14,” the trio amassed an arsenal of over 200 weapons, including crossbows, machetes, and an almost-complete 3D-printed assault rifle.
The group’s activities were uncovered when an undercover officer infiltrated their encrypted Telegram chats. Stewart, the self-appointed leader, expressed frustration with other far-right groups’ inaction and emphasized a desire for direct action.He appointed Ringrose and Pitzettu as “armourers” and discussed plans to “cruise around” looking for “human targets” near an Islamic education center. Although the planned meeting was canceled due to bad weather, the group was arrested shortly after.
All three were found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. Ringrose was additionally convicted of manufacturing the lower receiver for a 3D firearm. They are scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. Authorities highlighted the severity of the threat, noting the group’s intent to incite violence based on racist and extremist ideologies. The case underscores the ongoing risks posed by far-right extremism and the importance of proactive counter-terrorism efforts.
Analyst Comments: The plot reinforces a well-documented trend: religious institutions particularly those associated with minority faiths remain symbolic and soft targets for ideologically motivated extremists. The intended attacks on mosques and synagogues reflect a deliberate strategy to instill fear, spark division, and attract media attention. Mosques and synagogues should be prioritized for security training, physical access controls, and partnerships with local law enforcement. FB-ISAO has resources on Securing Facilities and People.
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