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.
FBI Releases Crime in Schools, 2020-2024, Special Report
On August 12th, the FBI’S Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program published a “Crime in Schools, 2020-2024” special report via its Crime Data Explorer platform. This report aggregates criminal incidents occurring at school locations over the five-year period. Law enforcement agencies participating in the National Incident-Based Reporting System submitted data revealing over one million incidents, involving approximately 1.5 million victims and 1.2 million identified offenders.
The report highlights that September is the month with the highest number of reported incidents and importantly noted these crimes didn’t necessarily occur during school hours. The three most frequently reported offenses at schools include assaults, larceny/thefts, and drug/narcotic offenses. Regarding weapons involved, the most common were personal weapons such as hands, fists, and feet, followed by knife or cutting instruments and handguns.
Analyst Comments: The FBI’s Crime in Schools, 2020-2024 report highlights ongoing safety issues with incidents peaking in September likely tied to the start of the school year. Assaults, thefts, and drug offenses dominate, with most weapons being personal force, though knives and handguns still present serious risk. These trends point to needing targeted prevention, early intervention, and integrated school-community safety planning.
Also see:
What newly released videos and records reveal about the Uvalde school shooting
Tropical Storm Erin could become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season
Tropical storm Erin, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, formed around August 11th, roughly 750-820 miles west of the Cape Verde Island. It’s currently moving westward approximately 20-23 mph with sustained winds near 45 mph. Warm seas surface temperatures and favorable wind conditions are expected to fuel Erin’s strengthening over the coming days. Forecasters now anticipate the storm will reach hurricane status by Thursday or Friday, potentially intensifying into major hurricane (Category 3) with winds up to 115 mph over the weekend.
Analyst Comments: Tropical Storm Erin’s projected intensification into the first hurricane of 2025 Atlantic season shows the importance of early readiness as there is a potential for rapid intensification. The storm could rapidly strengthen into a powerful hurricane this weekend as it approaches the northern Caribbean and Bahamas, but it could still be a couple of days before it reaches hurricane status, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. Beyond the Caribbean, impacts on Bermuda, the U.S. and Atlantic Canada will depend on when Erin turns to the north and the forecast hurricane’s intensity. It is important to be aware of the swells, rip currents, and possible offshore hazards in areas that may be affected from the storm.
- Stay informed
- Review your emergency plan
- Assemble a disaster supply kit
- Protect your property
Israel pounds Gaza city, 123 dead in last 24 hours
Over the past 24 hours, Israeli military operations intensified across Gaza City and surrounding areas. Resulting in 123 Palestinian deaths, the highest single-day toll in about a week. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the casualties, adding they now exceed 61,000 since the war began nearly two years ago, with 225 attributed to starvation and malnutrition. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu echoed a controversial proposal also voiced by U.S. President Trump that Palestinians should be “allowed to exit” Gaza. Humanitarian efforts continue, with nearly 320 aid trucks and fuel deliveries reported, yet amid remains critically insufficient, according to U.N. and Palestinian officials.
Analyst Comments: The latest escalation shows the scale and persistence of civilian harm in Gaza and the political hardening on both sides. The record daily death toll reflects the intensity of Israeli military operations but also the collapse of already strained humanitarian conditions. As the humanity crisis deepens, faith-based organizations may want to increase their level of support, but experts recommend relying on organizations that already have a presence on the ground that are in the best position to help the local population. As with any current event, scammers may try to take advantage of broad public interest in the crisis, so leaders are encouraged to warn their communities to be ultra-aware of potential fraudulent activity and phishing attacks.
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