Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 30 November 2023

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. 

Texas Man Sentenced for Antisemitic Hate Crime After Seeking to Burn Down Synagogue

A Texas man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $470,000 in restitution for a hate crime and arson in which he set fire to the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 31, 2021. Franklin Sechriest, 19, of San Marcos, pleaded guilty to a hate crime and arson charges on April 7. Sechriest admitted that he targeted the synagogue because of his hatred of Jews, and journals recovered from the defendant were replete with virulent antisemitic statements and views. Sechriest also possessed several decals and stickers expressing antisemitic messages.

Related Item from Today’s DAP:

• Woman facing arson charge following Los Fresnos church fire

Related Items from the Last Week of DAPS:

• Knoxville woman sets fire in church, tells staff about it, police say
• Inside the Twisted Journals of a Teenage Synagogue Arsonist
• London man arrested on suspicion of arson, antisemitic abuse
• Ethnic intimidation charge in alleged Monroe County church arson
• PSP: Man lit U.S. flag on fire at Keokee Chapel United Methodist Church

Analyst Comments:

Fire as a Weapon is a constant threat against houses of worship. Faith-Based Organizations should consider taking actions to protect against Fire as a Weapon attacks. Also, many violent protests utilize Fire as a Weapon and a house of worship may be an intended target or an incidental victim.

Protection Measures:

• Security begins in the parking lot.
• Install fencing and bollards.
• Keep doors and windows locked, but ensure that all emergency exits are well marked and functioning.
• Install break resistant windows or protective covers over stained-glass windows.
• Illuminate exterior and entrances.
• Clear things like shrubbery that block the view of the building (also mitigates spread of fire).
• Secure flammable liquids and chemicals.
• Clean up – Remove anything that could fuel a fire.
• Keep dumpsters and recycling bins away from buildings.
• Protect the underside of buildings. Do not provide an edge that facilitates easy ignition.
• Bathrooms are leading area of origin for arson fires in occupied stores and offices.
• Report odd or suspicious activities to your local law enforcement.
• Communicate with local law enforcement about prevention methods.
• Follow all local building and fire codes and regulations.
• Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
• Buildings should have fire resistant exteriors.
• Maintain fire extinguishers and train staff to use them. Consider having larger extinguishers than those required by code.
• Clean up – Remove anything (including shrubbery) that could fuel a fire.
• Invite Fire Department to evaluate and pre-plan your facilities.

Additional Resources:

• CISA’s Fire As A Weapon Action Guide
• US Fire Administration website: Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson

As always, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Securing Facilities and People