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.
Police investigate shooting at event at east Tulsa church
A tragic incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 27th at the Parish Festival of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oklahoma. The event had drawn a crowd of a few hundred people and was winding down when a confrontation between two teenage boys escalated to violence. One of them drew a firearm and shot the other in the chest. The victim was rushed to the hospital and there were no additional injuries reported. Private security had been on the site earlier but had left before the shooting occurred.
Analyst Comments: This fatal shooting at a church festival highlights the critical importance of sustained security presence at large public and faith-based gatherings. Although private security had been hired, their departure before the event ended created a vulnerability. Events that attract large crowds require layered security measures. This event also shows the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement and for faith-based organizations that may host festivals to communicate with local law enforcement and consider keeping security onside until all attendees have departed.
US churches face continuing campaign of vandalism into 2025
A surge in vandalism and arson targeting U.S. churches that began in 2020 has persisted through mid-2025, reflecting a broader rise in anti-Christian hostility. The to the uptick in incidents began in the aftermath of George Floyd protests of 2020 and the 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The incidents include multiple documented attacks involving defaced property, graffiti, and broken windows. The Christian Post has detailed some of the incidents which have been tracked so far during the first half of 2025.
Analyst Comments: The continued rise in church vandalism through 2025 signals a troubling trend of targeted hostility toward Christian institutions, often tied to political and social flashpoints. The use of ideologically charged graffiti suggests these are intentional efforts to send a message. This pattern highlights the increased need for enhanced security at HOW and collaborating with law enforcement. Federal support programs like DHS’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program are important as tensions rise. HOW may consider upper security measures during heightened times and remain vigilant and aware of what is occurring around their HOW.
Why Law Enforcement Must Play a Role in Church Security
This article shows the vital role of law enforcement in supporting and elevating security measures at faith-based institutions. It highlights a key case in suburban Richmond, Virginia where a contracted off-duty sergeant intervened after a volunteer identified a suspicious individual. The incident came to a peaceful resolution without use of force, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured collaboration. It cautions against reliance on unvetted volunteers, noting legal and liability risks when non-sworn individuals attempt to detain suspects without proper authority or training.
The pieced advocated for professional security policies like vetting, ongoing training, and formal protocols to transform places of worship from “soft targets” into “hard targets” capable of deterring or mitigating threats.
Analyst Comments: This article reinforces why law enforcement involvement is essential in proactive planning, risk reduction, and emergencies. Creating connections with local law enforcement helps to ensure that situations ae handled legally and effectively. Screening volunteers, conducting threat assessments, coordinating entry points, and training teams is all important for faith-based organizations to consider. For large events and weekly services having a security team your HOW trust is important for better surveillance, faster emergency response, and confidence for congregants.
Get the Daily Awareness Post Delivered to your Email!
More Faith-Based Stories
Church goers prevented ‘catastrophe’ by restraining armed man, Chambersburg police say
Local man convicted of stealing from Wytheville church
Man charged with arson after allegedly setting things on fire at Great Fall church
Children, family run for cover in church after 140 bullets fly across NE DC neighborhood
Richmond Road Baptist Church pastor’s son says he was wrongfully arrested day of church shooting
Muslim leaders increase security after vandalism reports at Texas and California mosques
Syrian authorities thwart bomb plot targeting Maronite Catholic church
Bomb threat made at FEMA building in DC
Trump sets new deadline of ’10 or 12’ days for Putin to agree to Ukraine deal
Manhunt Underway in Arkansas After Couple is Killed in State Park
Walmart stabbing suspect faces terrorism and assault charges
This construction project was on time and on budget. Then came ICE.
Forecasters warn a rare derecho with hurricane force winds could plow through part of the US
Trump’s demand for Washington NFL team name change ignored years of psychological data, experts’ day
Months after the Jan. 7 fires, L.A.’s evacuation plans remain untested
Watch out: Instagram users targeted in novel phishing campaign
Trickle of aid reaches starving Palestinians as Israel pauses fighting in parts of Gaza
More Security-focused Content
