Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 14 October 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. 

Beginning on Monday 20 October 2025, the DAP publishing schedule will permanently move to the afternoon to accommodate adjusting operational requirements. The DAP will still be published daily, with the exception of observed U.S. government holidays.

U.S. approaching 340 mass shootings this year after deadly weekend

The United States has seen 337 mass shootings reported by Oct. 11^th, measured by incidents in which more than four people are shot. Muliple tragedies unfolded this past weekend: a shooting at analumnus event in South Carolina left four dead and at least twenty injured, while a shooting after high school event in Mississippi claimed six lives and wounded twenty more. Recent data shows that one in every fifteen adults report being a firsthand witness to a mass shooting. John S. Hollywood lays out a framework for more proactive defense strategies against mass attacks, while arguing that these aren’t isolated tragedies, but rather systemic phenomena with deep psychological and societal impact.

Analyst Comments: Both articles highlight the growing normalization and evolving response to mass shootings in the US. The Axios report shows the alarming frequency and human impact of such incidents. Suggesting deepening societal concern that extends beyond law enforcement or policy discussions. RAND’s commentary complements this by offering a practical framework that focuses on prevention, preparedness, and layered defense, an approach that can be applied across schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Together, these pieces reinforce the need for sustained community awareness, structured safety planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce casualties and enhance resilience against future attacks. Members are encouraged to deploy “integrated security layers,” including prevention, perimeter protection, movement controls, and on-site response.

Still No Kings: Millions to Protest Trump On Saturday

A coordinated protest movement under the banner No King is planning a renewed nationwide demonstration this coming Saturday, October 18^th.The movement originated in June, when over 2,100 protest events took place across the U.S. drawing millions of participants concerned about perceived authoritarian overreach in the Trump administration. Organizers say October’s round will be even larger, with “anchor” protests in major cities and as of last Friday, 2,500 planned across the country. In the Washington, D.C. area, one local news outlet estimated thousands will attend the “No Kings” rallies, highlighting the movement’s growing presence in the capital region. Concurrently, some political figures have criticized and framed the protest as “hate-America” or tied it to extremist groups characterizations which organizers reject, emphasizing the peaceful nature and democratic intent of the protests.

Analyst Comments: The “No Kings” demonstrations illustrate a broad civic mobilization effort focused on organized, nonviolent expression across the country. The movement’s emphasis on structured training, coordinated logistics, and peaceful engagement suggests a high degree of organization and message discipline. Large-scale gatherings of this type require coordinated planning between event organizers, local government, and law enforcement to ensure crowd management and minimal disruption. Those planning to visit Washington D.C. or other areas that may be hosting a “No Kings” protest should be aware and plan accordingly.

US East Coast tropical wind and rainstorm to bring top-5 storm surge, major travel disruptions

A potent tropical wind-and-rain storm is forecast to batter the U.S. East Coast from eastern North Carolina through southern New England through Tuesday, bringing significant flooding, high winds, beach erosion, and major travel disruptions. The storm’s expansive structure extends roughly 1,000 miles and because of sustained onshore winds and high tides the coastal areas may experience storm surges of 2 to 3 feet with isolated zones possibly hit by 4 to 5 feet above normal tides. In many locations, tide levels could exceed what’s normally high tide, pushing saltwater into neighborhoods, blocking roadways, and endangering vehicles. Wind gusts have already reached 40-60 mph along coasts, with inland gusts extending along corridors like I-95 threatening tree damage, power outages, and disruption to air travel. Over 1,700 flights have been delayed in the Northeast, and hundreds more are expected to be canceled as conditions worsen.

Analyst Comments: The current East Coast tropical wind and rainstorm highlights the ongoing challenges of managing hybrid weather systems that combine characteristics of both tropical and nor’easter storms. The broad geographic impact from the Carolinas through New England show the vulnerability of costal infrastructure to prolonged onshore winds, high tides, and heavy rainfall. The potential for multi-day floodings, widespread power outages, and significant travel disruptions including air and ground transportation, reinforces the importance of proactive emergency coordination and public communication. It is important to consider the need for planning, improved drainage and surge protection systems, and integrated weather monitoring to mitigate cascading impacts.