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.
Naple’s man arrested, accused of threatening to shoot gun inside church
A Naples man is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening to commit a mass shooting at Manantial de Vida Church in Florida, sparking a significant law enforcement response and community concern. According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect reportedly showed up at the church on July 6th armed with a gun and claimed to be a killer asking how much money it would take to stop a mass shooting. The man was arrested on charges that include threat discharge a destructive device and disorderly conduct. The sheriff’s office emphasized that thanks to quick action by deputies and the cooperation of church staff, the situation was de-escalated without injuries. Most congregants were not aware of the incident unfolding as the church service had just ended and most had left the building.
Analyst Comments: This incident underscores the persistent threat environment that faith-based organizations face. It highlights the importance of maintaining a clear reporting pathways, active security plans, and trained staff who can quickly recognize and report threatening behavior. In order to be prepared if this situation occurred in your facility, faith-based organizations may want to consider:
- Reviewing and practicing emergency plans regularly
- Establish clear reporting and communication
- Engage with local law enforcement
- Communicate post-incident with the community
Organizations are encouraged to review “Run, Hide, and Fight” principles with their communities to help ensure they are prepared for potential active shooter events.
Officer shot and man with rifle killed after exchange of fire at Border Patrol facility in Texas
On July 7th, a gunman in tactical gear opened fire outside the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in annex in McAllen, Texas. The assailant later identified reportedly targeted the facility entrance before Border Patrol agents fatally shot him, During the exchange, a Border patrol agent was struck in the knee and several others sustained injuries although none were life-threatening. DHS has launched an investigation into the shooting.
Meanwhile, in Johnson County, Texas on July 4th, an ambush style attack unfolded outside the Prairieland ICE detention facility. According to local law enforcement, a group of more than a dozen masked individuals vandalized cameras and set off fireworks to divert attention. They opened fire on responding officers, striking one in the neck. Police arrested the suspects following a multi-agency response.
Analyst Comments: These back-to-back incidents in Texas highlight a concerning escalation in targeted violence against federal immigration enforcement facilities and government agencies. The use of tactical gear, body armor, and diversionary devices such as fireworks in the ICE facility ambush indicates premeditation and an intent to overwhelm or bypass law enforcement response whereas the McAllen shooter’s direct attack point to high-risk lone actor scenarios.
Immigration enforce continues to be a triggering topic across the US, and these recent escalations will do nothing to calm the high tensions that exist. As this enforcement activity can have both direct and indirect impacts on HoWs, it is important to maintain situational awareness and understand when activities may happen that could heighten potential risk. There are some apps that will alert to local enforcement activity, and as we have previously shared it’s important for FBOs to know how to respond to ICE in places of worship.
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