Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 11 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. 

Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at 31: Shooter Still at Large

Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10^thwhile speaking at Utah Valley University during a stop on his “American Comeback” tour. The gunfire, which struck him in the neck during a Q&A session under a tent, sparked panic as attendees rushed for safety. Witnesses reported that the shot appeared to come from a rooftop about 200 yards away. Kirk was transported quickly to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. Authorities are treating the incident as a politically motivated attack, though the shooter remains at large. A person of interest was briefly detained and questioned but released, as investigators determined they were not responsible for the shooting.

Analyst Comments: The most recent example of political violence in the U.S. offers the potential to be a flashpoint in American society. In the aftermath of the shooting there were both calls for unity as well as retaliatory violence. Terrorism researcher Mike Jensen indicated “I think we are in a very, very dangerous spot right now that could quite easily escalate into more widespread civil unrest if we don’t get a hold of it.” Further information related to the motives of the shooter will likely offer opportunities for another round of increased violent rhetoric. FB-ISAO will continue to monitor the developments, but offer the following considerations for HOWs in the meantime:

• Live events continue to be an attractive opportunity for targeted violence. Organizations are encouraged to conduct threat assessments and take necessary mitigation steps to reduce risk.
• In the event there is an increase in civil unrest, organizations are encouraged to review CISA guidance on “Protecting Infrastructure during Public Demonstrations” and “Personal Security Considerations.”
• With the increase in targeted violence, organizations with high profile leadership, particularly those who may have ties to “culture war” type issues, are encouraged to maintain the highest levels of situational awareness.

A shooting at Denver-area high school leaves community shaken during third week of school

A student opened fire around 12:24 p.m. at Evergreen High School, about 28-30 miles west of Denver, using a handgun and shooting both inside and outside of the building. Two fellow students were wounded, one remains in critical condition, the other in non-life threating condition. The shooter, a student himself, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hundreds of law enforcement and emergency personnel responded rapidly; officers were in contact with the shooter within about five minutes, and no officers fired any shots during the incident.  

Analyst Comments: The Evergreen High School shooting shows the importance of preparedness and rapid response in school safety. Law enforcement arrived and engaged within minutes, preventing further harm, which highlights the value of active shooter training and strong coordination between schools and emergency services. This case shows the challenges that schools face in monitoring and preventing insider threats, since the shooter was a student. It also reinforces the need for mental health resources, identification of warning-signs, and post-incident recovery support for students, staff, and families.

NYPD boosting presence at ‘critical’ locations ahead of 9/11 anniversary, UNGA, Jewish high holidays after receiving vague bomb threat

 In New York City, the NYPD is significantly increasing security at “critical infrastructure” locations, especially bridges and tunnels between Queens and Manhattan after receiving vague bomb threats. This alert comes as multiple major events converge: the 24^th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Jewish High Holidays. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that while threats often rise during this time of year, this year they are taking extra precautions. The NYPD is working with federal agencies, including the Joint Terrorism Task Force, to investigate. Although there are no confirmed specifics about timing or methods, the city is surging resources and increasing patrols as a precaution.

Analyst Comments: The NYPD’s heightened presence reflects a proactive security posture that balances vigilance with reassurance. Even though the bomb threats were described as vague, the timing is significant: the overlap of the 9/11 anniversary, the UN General Assembly, and Jewish High Holidays all elevated New York’s risk profile. These events not only carry symbolic weight but also concentrate large gathering and international attention, making them potential targets for opportunistic actors. Increasing security around critical infrastructure, bridges, tunnels, and transit hubs, demonstrates a focus on both deterrence and resilience. Coordination with federal partners like the Joint Terrorism Task Force suggests authorities are prioritizing intelligence sharing and rapid response readiness.

De-escalation Reference Card 

The De-escalation Reference Card, part of CISA’s De-escalation Series, is a compact, easy-to-read companion resource offering clear, actionable steps for safely de-escalating potentially violent situations without physical force. It’s designed for a wide range of users, including critical infrastructure personnel, frontline staff, public safety officials, and those responsible for securing public gathering venues. The card distills overarching strategies into digestible guidance, helping individuals take non-confrontational, effective action when confronted with escalating scenarios.

• De-escalation Reference Card
• De-escalation Reference Card: Instructions for Printing

Analyst Comments: The CISA De-escalation Reference Card is valuable because it turns broad conflict-management strategies into quick, actionable reminders that can be applied in real-world scenarios. Its portability and simplified structure make it a practical tool for frontline staff who may not have the time to reference lengthy guidance in a tense situation. The resource highlights the growing recognition that security isn’t only about physical barriers or law enforcement presence but also about human interaction and communication.