Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 26 May 2026

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.

NY: Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre vandalized in Midtown, burglary suspect sought: NYPD

Police are searching for 31 individuals connected to the vandalism and burglary of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Manhattan in Midtown Manhattan. According to the NYPD, the group forcibly entered the building through a side door on May 2, ran through the property, caused roughly $10,000 in damage, and injured an employee who was kicked in the leg. Authorities believe the incident may be connected to the growing “Scientology speed running” social media trend, where groups record themselves rushing through Scientology properties for online attention. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating and has released images of the suspects.

Analyst Comments: The incident reflects the continuation of the online “speed running” trend specifically targeting Scientology-affiliated locations for viral content and disruption. Currently, there is little indication that the activity is expanding into broader threats against other faith communities, suggesting a relatively low risk of similar incidents impacting most other religious organizations. However, since Scientology facilities are likely being targeted by “speed runs” due to their restricted nature, Houses of Worship that are considered restricted access by the communities that host them might have a higher risk of copycat behavior.

TSA readies for summer travel season kickoff

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it is prepared for the start of the 2026 summer travel season, expecting to screen approximately 18.3 million passengers and crew members between May 21 and May 27 for Memorial Day travel. TSA said it has increased staffing and resources ahead of a busy summer that will also include major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations. The agency reminded travelers that REAL ID-compliant identification is now required for domestic air travel and encouraged passengers to enroll in TSA PreCheck to help reduce wait times. TSA also advised travelers to pack carefully, review prohibited item guidelines before arriving at the airport and arrive early to accommodate heavier-than-normal passenger volumes.

Analyst Comments: For faith-based organizations, the increased travel volume and heightened security posture associated with the 2026 summer travel season may create additional operational and security considerations, particularly for congregations hosting conferences, mission trips, youth travel programs, pilgrimages, or large holiday gatherings. As transportation hubs become more crowded, organizations should anticipate potential delays affecting staff, volunteers, and attendees traveling to events. The emphasis on REAL ID compliance and increased screening measures also underscores the importance of proactive travel communication with members and visiting groups.

Additionally, higher passenger volumes and major national events may elevate the risk environment for soft targets located near major national events, reinforcing the value of maintaining situational awareness, coordinating with local law enforcement and transportation partners when appropriate, and reviewing emergency communication and contingency plans for large faith-based gatherings during the summer months.

FB-ISAO Education Series | Building an Intelligence Team for your House of Worship

NEXT SESSION >> May 6, 2026, 12:00 PM ET: Expanding your horizon to consider additional atypical threats, man-made and natural disasters, to prepare for all-hazards.

Register here.

About the series. “Intelligence” often conjures images of secret agents working in the shadows to protect national security.  Intelligence isn’t just for government agents, with a little guidance, anyone can do it! Intelligence involves a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and using information to anticipate, detect, and prevent threats before they cause harm. This process helps decision makers weigh alternatives and make threat-informed, fact-based choices via enhanced situational awareness. By leveraging intelligence, houses of worship can enhance their overall safety and security, ensuring their spaces remain welcoming sanctuaries for worship yet prepared for potential incidents.