Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 5 May 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. 

Presentation of Incidents Affecting Houses of Worship in 2024

Member ONLY Event.

Join a presentation of the much-anticipated cumulative data on attacks on houses of worship in 2024.

The presentation will take place on 07 May 2025 at 12pm ET.

Register Here

Disturbing details revealed in New River pastor’s homicide case

On April 28, 2025, 76-year-old Pastor William “Bill” Schonemann of New River Bible Chapel was found dead in his home near 13th Avenue and Circle Mountain Road in New River, Arizona. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death as a homicide. Sources indicate that he was discovered lying on his bed with his arms spread out and hands pinned to the wall, bearing significant injuries.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed whether a suspect is in custody, nor have they revealed the official cause of death or a motive. They have described the case as involving “unique, specific circumstances” but assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

An autopsy was scheduled for May 2, 2025, to further investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Analyst Comments: The crime scene with the victim’s arms spread and hands pinned to the wall indicates not just a brutal act, but one that may have been meant to convey a symbolic or deeply personal message. This is yet another example of what appears to be targeted violence of a prominent community figure. As faith-based communities work to boost the security and resiliency of their places of worship, they should also consider how to best protect high-profile community leaders that may be more likely to be targeted with acts of violence. CISA has previously published a Personal Security Considerations Action Guide which may be of interest to security leaders.

Hurricane Prep: social media

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched its 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4–10) with a comprehensive social media campaign aimed at educating the public on proactive hurricane readiness. The initiative provides daily themes, shareable content, and actionable guidance to help individuals and communities prepare for the upcoming season.

NOAA’s social media plan outlines daily focus areas to build a Weather-Ready Nation:

• May 4 — Know Your Risk: Wind & Water
  Understand the types of wind and water hazards that could affect your area, including storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes.
• May 5 — Prepare Before Hurricane Season
  Take early action by assembling disaster supplies, reviewing insurance policies, and creating an evacuation plan.
• May 6 — Understand Forecast Information
  Learn how to interpret forecasts and alerts to stay informed about storm developments.
• May 7 — Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
  Know the steps to take when a storm is imminent, including evacuation procedures and safety measures.
• May 8 — Stay Protected During Storms
  Implement safety protocols to protect yourself and your property during a hurricane.
• May 9 — Use Caution After Storms
  Exercise caution when returning home and assess potential hazards such as flooding and structural damage.
• May 10 — Take Action Today
  Encourage immediate preparedness actions to ensure readiness for the hurricane season.

Analyst Comments: The emphasis on educating the public about all facets of hurricane preparedness from interpreting forecast data to post-storm safety is essential. This approach not only meets immediate needs but also builds long-term resilience. By offering content in various formats, including videos and social media posts, NOAA ensures that the information is accessible to a wide range of audiences. With hurricane season coming it is important to be prepared and have access to valuable information, hurricanes and natural disasters can be unpredictable so it is important to always have a plan and be prepared. On Thursday, FB-ISAO will publish our Weekly Report which will be focused on hurricane preparedness.