Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 29 May 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. 

School Shootings in the US: Fast facts

CNNprovides a comprehensive overview of school shootings in the United States, detailing significant incidents, statistics, and historical context. The article highlights major events such as the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, and the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, among others. It presents data on the frequency and impact of these incidents, noting that school shootings have become more prevalent over the years. Already in 2025 there has been 23 school shootings. The piece also discusses the various factors contributing to these tragedies, including gun accessibility and mental health issues, and outlines legislative and preventive measures that have been proposed or implemented in response. 

Analyst Comments: CNN’s overview of school shootings paints a grim picture of the increasing frequency and severity of gun violence in educational settings across the U.S. Faith-based schools also face a heightened target for violence due to their religious identities. Enhancing partnerships with law enforcement and community leaders is essential to ensuring these schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for students. FB-ISAO also has a resource guide on securing school facilities and people.

‘We are living in a war’: Mexicans brace for violence ahead of judicial elections

Mexico is facing heightened concerns over security and democratic integrity as it approaches its 2025 judicial elections, scheduled for Sunday June 1. For the first time, judges will be chosen through popular vote a major shift that has raised alarms among critics who fear it could compromise judicial independence. There is growing unease that individuals with ties to organized crime could gain power within the judiciary, especially as drug cartels intensify their influence and violence across the country. These developments come amid an alarming rise in cartel-related attacks, including a deadly incident on May 28 in Michoacán. In that attack, six soldiers were killed and two others injured when an explosive device destroyed their armored vehicle. The use of such military-grade tactics by cartels highlights the deepening security crisis. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating organized crime. Since 2006, drug-related violence in Mexico has led to an estimated 480,000 deaths, underlining the serious threat these groups pose to both public safety and democratic institutions.

Related Articles:

• Six soldiers killed in explosive attack amid ongoing drug cartel violence in Mexico
• Will Mexico’s judicial elections hurt democracy or make the courts accountable?

Analyst Comments: For individuals or groups planning mission trips to Mexico awareness and caution are critical. Travelers should be mindful of the evolving security landscape and closely monitor advisories issued by their home countries and reputable security agencies. It is highly recommended that mission groups conduct risk assessments before travel, establish emergency communication plans, and work with local partners who have a deep understanding of the region’s current dynamics. Community members are encouraged to review the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Mexico.