Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 13 June 2023

Faith-Based Security Headlines

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.

Where Pro-Choice Groups Chose Vandalism

Pregnancy centers were attacked in 24 states in the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision on abortion rights. More than 50 clinics across the country reported graffiti and broken windows, with damage sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars. Six clinics were also set on fire.

Analyst Comments: Most of these attacks occurred due to a change in federal law. While the national threat seems to have subsided, the threat may increase locally as the debate shifts to the states. Facilities must be aware of flashpoints in their state and region.

Abundant Life Church in Warrenton destroyed in fire

The pastor of the Missouri church said he was told that the fire is being investigated as arson, but neither police nor fire officials would confirm that detail. The pastor told the media that the fire occurred less than 24 hours after an incident at Sunday service. “We had an intruder that came into the service, and he was very disruptive.  We didn’t know what his intentions were … When he walked out of the church I followed him out and locked the doors.  This intruder came to the pastor’s house two days ago at 5 a.m. unannounced. It was the same man that came to the church Sunday morning.”

Analyst Comments: FB-ISAO recommends suspicious activities should be reported to law enforcement and trigger appropriate temporary increases in security measures. Refer to CISA’s Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fire As A Weapon Action Guide (cisa.gov).

St. Louis County church Pride display vandalized

A Pride month display outside of a Missouri church was vandalized over the weekend. The lead pastor said the incident won’t slow down the church from becoming a symbol in acceptance and inclusion.

Analyst Comments: FB-ISAO has reported numerous acts of vandalism at church Pride displays around the country. While the vandalism in this case was not severe, those responsible for security should be on the alert for vandalism as vandalism may be the first step in an escalation of attacks.

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More Faith-Based Stories

• Active Versus Passive Participation – FB-ISAO (faithbased-isao.org)

• Does Artificial Intelligence Dream of Antisemitism?  – GNET

• Knoxville church vandalized overnight, report says

• East Memphis church hit by car burglars Sunday

• Suspect stole from church deacon during Mass in St. Bernard, police say

• Shore Church Threatened On Sunday, Police Identify Suspect

• Woman arrested for allegedly vandalizing southwest Miami-Dade church

• Sharp County Sheriff’s Office investigating church vandalism

• Sheriff’s office investigating church vandalism

• Michigan State troopers seek public’s help in finding church vandal in Cass County

• How ‘Gnome Hunting’ Became TikTok’s Latest Antisemitic Dog Whistle

• ANTISEMITIC ‘GDL’ FLYERS FOUND IN LONG ISLAND

• Roy Disney’s granddaughter said he’s ‘spinning in his grave’ over Nazi display outside Disney World

• Church: Grace our reaction to toppled garden statue

• The call is coming from inside the house: Are White Christian churches incubators of anti-democratic sentiment?

• The Archdiocese of St. Louis will pay $1 million to settle a sex abuse lawsuit

• ROSEN HELPS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HOUSES OF WORSHIP, CONGREGATIONS FROM VIOLENCE

Select All-Hazards Stories

• Miami ready for protests before Trump court appearance

• Miami officials stress ‘law and order’ in preparation for Trump’s indictment hearing

• Trump’s Miami court date brings fears of violence, rally plans

• Trump Supporters’ Violent Rhetoric in His Defense Disturbs Experts

• At least 9 injured in a mass shooting near downtown Denver, police say, soon after Nuggets’ NBA title win

• Target stores see more bomb threats over Pride merchandise

• Inova’s workplace safety strategy sees 60% reduction in violence

• U.S. Secret Service Threat Assessment and Management Conference

• School Safety and Security is a Process, Not a Purchase

• How to assess security’s role in mass terminations

• Viral Pentagon explosion hoax took off from pro-Russian accounts

• Elon Musk’s Twitter vs. Bad Bots: The Battle Goes On

• Support for “doing your own research” is associated with COVID-19 misperceptions and scientific mistrust

• Reddit goes down just as a site-wide protest against its unpopular new API policy kicks off

• National Weather Service

• Busy tropical wave train among factors pointing to uptick in Atlantic activity

• Avoid Ransomware Attacks: Don’t Let Attackers Dwell in Your Network

• ASEC Weekly Phishing Email Threat Trends

More Security-focused Content

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