Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 23 September 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. 

Planned shooting stopped at Bay Area high school via Sandy Hook Promise tip line

A planned school shooting at Menlo-Atheron High School, part of California’s Sequoia Union High School District, was thwarted thanks to a tip submitted through Sandy Hook Promise’s anonymous reporting system. A student saw disturbing Instagram posts from a peer that included images of firearms, ammunition, and a mapped-out plan for an attack, and used the reporting system to alert authorities. Law enforcement intervened, detained the student, and recovered weapons from their home. Nicole Hockley, whose son died in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and who co-founded the nonprofit, emphasized the importance of community vigilance and the value of prevention. The organization says its Say Something anonymous top line has helped stop at least 19 credible planned attacks since its 2018 launch.

Analyst Comments: This incident highlights how critical anonymous reporting systems are for preventing school violence. The Sandy Hook Promise “Say Something” tip line again proved effective, enabling early detection and intervention before plans escalated into an actual attack. The case also underscores how social media continues to play a role in threat detection students posting online often reveal intent or preparation, giving peers an opportunity to act. From a security and risk management perspective, the success of this intervention reinforces the importance of community-based vigilance, student empowerment, and law enforcement partnerships. Sustaining awareness campaigns and ensuring that students feel safe and supported in making reports will remain vital in mitigating future threats.

How to prepare yourself to deal with an emergency and avoid disaster-related scams

The Federal Trade Commission urges people to create and maintain an emergency plan ahead of time, which includes considering the needs of older adults and others who may require extra help. National Preparedness Month is a good reminder to review, update, or draft such plans. Resources like Ready.gov’s guide for older adults and DisasterAssistance.gov are useful tools to have bookmarked so you can quickly access trustworthy help after a disaster. Scam artists often pretend to represent the government, offering grants or aid but then request personal or financial information or payments; the FTC warns that any unsolicited requests for money or account details in the name of disaster-relief are red flags. If you see or suffer from a disaster-related scam, report it to the FTC.

Analyst Comments: This alert reinforces two important points: preparedness and vigilance against exploitation. On the preparedness side, building a personal or family emergency plan and tailoring it for vulnerable groups like older adults ensures resilience when disasters strike. Equally important is cyber and fraud awareness, as scammers consistently exploit crises by impersonating government agencies or aid groups. From a risk management perspective, combining practical readiness with a strong fraud-prevention mindset provides layered protection. Organizations can use this guidance to strengthen community outreach, reminding people that disaster resilience is not only about physical safety but also financial and informational security. 

The Gate 15 Interview EP 62: Justine Bone, Executive Director, Crypto ISAC

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 months Gate 15 Interview, Andy Jabbour speaks with Justine Bone, Executive Director of Crypto ISAC.

In the discussion Justine and Andy cover:

• Justine’s background. 
• Crypto ISAC’s mission and community.
• Threats to the blockchain and crypto industry, including the threat from North Korea.
• Personal and organizational crypto security considerations. 
• What’s ahead in 2026.
• Resilience and the power of information sharing.

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found at Podcast.