Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 28 April 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. 

Shooting Disrupts Our Lady of Guadalupe Family Fair in Midland 

Weekend Festivals Marred by Hostile Events 

A suspect has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after a car plowed into a crowd at a street festival celebrating Filipino heritage in Vancouver  on Saturday night killing at least 11 people in what police are calling “the darkest day” in the city’s history.  

On the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, a shooting occurred at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Family Fair in Midland, Texas. Shots were reportedly fired around 8:00 pm during a physical altercation involving multiple individuals, leading to panic among attendees and the immediate cancellation of the event. One person was hospitalized, though details about their condition remain undisclosed. The Midland Police Department is actively investigating the incident. 

Analyst Comments: Both incidents reveal the inherent risks at large public events, even those centered around family and community celebrations. Vehicle rammings and firearms are two attack vectors which continue to be utilized during live events. Members are encouraged the prioritize safety and security during the planning and execution of events, including performing threat assessments and coordinating with local law enforcement to identify potential risks. 

Resources:

• Active Shooter How to Respond
• Attacks in Crowded and Public Spaces 
• Vehicle Ramming Mitigation 

‘It was scary’: Services resume at Murfreesboro church after bomb threat caused evacuation  

On Wednesday evening, April 24, 2025, a bomb threat forced the evacuation of New Vision Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during a service attended by hundreds, including a youth group. Two teenagers have been charged with filing false police reports after allegedly posting the threat on social media. Although the situation was frightening, Executive Pastor Greg Freeman praised the church community for remaining calm and noted that evacuation plans, though never previously used, were effective. Murfreesboro police, K-9 units, and the Fire & Rescue Department responded quickly, but no bomb was found. Freeman expressed concern for the emotional impact on children and emphasized that causing panic can lead to injuries.  

Analyst Comments: The bomb threat at New Vision Church in Murfreesboro underscores the increasing dangers associated with threats issued through social media, particularly those aimed at large gatherings like religious services. While the threat turned out to be false, the resulting fear and disruption especially among children exposed the psychological and operational vulnerabilities that even well-prepared organizations must confront. The church’s orderly evacuation demonstrated the strength of its emergency planning; however, the incident also highlights the ongoing need for regular safety drills, improved communication protocols, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement. 

Resources: What to do: Bomb Threats (CISA)  

Trump denies disaster aid, tells states to do more 

Under President Donald Trump, the federal government — through FEMA — has increasingly denied states’ requests for disaster aid following events like tornadoes in Arkansas, flooding in West Virginia, a windstorm in Washington, and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The administration is shifting its policy to reserve federal disaster support for only the most catastrophic events, such as massive hurricanes or attacks, urging states to take on greater responsibility for emergency management. 

State officials expressed shock and concern, noting that their requests met FEMA’s usual criteria. Leaders like Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and city officials from Issaquah, WA, warned that the lack of federal aid would force tough local financial decisions. Critics argue that states cannot easily replicate FEMA’s role and that withholding federal support could worsen the impacts of disasters, especially as climate change intensifies them. State and local leaders are calling for clearer guidelines if the federal approach to disaster aid is being permanently changed. 

Analyst Comments: The Trump administration’s decision to limit federal disaster aid marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s emergency management strategy. While the emphasis on states taking more responsibility for disaster recovery aligns with an argument for localized resilience and preparedness, it risks leaving vulnerable communities without adequate resources. Many states, particularly those with fewer financial resources, may struggle to fully manage the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. 

The denial of aid, especially in cases that previously met FEMA’s criteria, could undermine public trust in federal support systems, particularly in rural or underfunded regions. As evidenced by the reactions from state leaders like those in Washington and Arkansas, the inconsistency in aid allocation and lack of clear communication about changing criteria create uncertainty. Moreover, by signaling that FEMA will no longer provide 100% matching funds or assist with certain recovery efforts, the administration may inadvertently strain state and local budgets, forcing them to divert funds from other essential services. 

Three Pittsburgh Residents Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiracy, Defacing and Damaging Religious Property, Making False Statements, and Possession of Destructive Devices 

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has returned a Superseding Indictment against three individuals, Mohamad Hamad, Tayla A. Lubit, and Micaiah Collins, on charges of conspiracy, defacing a religious building, making false statements to obtain a security clearance, and possessing destructive devices. Hamad, a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, sought a Top-Secret security clearance while allegedly lying about his loyalty to the United States and expressing support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. During the investigation, Hamad and Collins also conspired to manufacture and detonate destructive devices, including pipe bombs. Lubit is accused of defacing Jewish religious property with anti-Zionist graffiti. The potential sentences for the defendants range from one to ten years in prison, depending on the charges. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Pittsburgh Police. 

Analyst Comments: This case highlights the critical importance of robust vetting systems for individuals in trusted roles. We have reported on many instances where employees and volunteers at houses of worship have taken advantage of positions of trust.  Faith-based communities are encouraged to implement background checks for employees and volunteers placed in positions of trust, and reenforce those safety measures with continuous monitoringand clear avenues for reporting suspicious activity. Internal safeguards such as anonymous tip lines and regular audits can help quickly identify fraudulent and/or potentially dangerous actions.  

Resource: Insider Threat Mitigation (CISA)