Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 31 July 2024

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.

Violent Protests Near a Mosque Follow Southport Stabbing

Unrest broke out near a mosque after a peaceful vigil was held for the Southport stabbing victims. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss stated “Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the mosque car park.” Thirty-nine police officers were injured, with twenty-seven taken to the hospital.

There has been speculation about the suspect’s identity. Police say a name that has been circulated online is incorrect, however, the offenders, have continued to circulate false narratives and those led to further escalation of violence around and directly aimed at the Southport mosque.

Related Articles:

• Keir Starmer says Southport rioters will feel ‘full force of the law.’
• UK leader accuses far right of hijacking a town’s grief after killing of 3 children sparks violence
• Violent protest breaks out in UK after vigil over stabbing spree: Police
• Clashes in Southport after town mourns in vigil for victims of stabbing attack
• Thugs hijacked Southport and families’ grief, MP says (bbc.com)

Analyst Comments:

Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) should consider that outside events, even those unrelated to their organization, may raise threats against them. At times, such incidents may hamper law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively.  

The following resources may be used to prepare for possible attacks

• Protecting Houses of Worship | CISA (Multiple Resources)
• Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities
• Protecting Houses of Worship Against Arson (fema.gov)
• Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship.
• 5 Simple Steps to Save a Life | FEMA’s Until Help Arrives

Additionally, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Securing Facilities and People.

Weekly Security Sprint EP 75. North Korea mischief, and physical security matters

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.

On this week’s Security Sprint, Dave and Andy discuss:

• North Korea Cyber Threats to U.S. Businesses
• CISA: Resources for Onboarding and Employment Screening Fact Sheet
• Physical Incidents
  • Understand the Hostile Events Attack Cycle!
  • Two children killed and nine injured in knife attack at dance class in northern England
  • DOJ: Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona Election Office
  • Michigan man kills himself after running over 80-year-old Trump supporter
  • Defendants with Ties to White Supremacy Sentenced in Connection with Plot to Destroy Energy Facilities
  • Army review finds ‘series of failures’ in lead-up to mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine 

The above Gate 15 Weekly Security Sprint website also provides links to many security-related items of interest.

Updates to Former President Trump Assassination Attempt

• Remarks by FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek at Press Briefing on the Investigation of the Butler, Pennsylvania, Assassination Attempt. There is a lot of information and detail provided in this update.
• Remarks by Deputy Director Paul Abbate at Press Briefing on the Investigation of the Butler, Pennsylvania, Assassination Attempt
• Deputy Director Abbate’s Opening Statement to the Joint Hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees
• Testimony of Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe, Jr., Before the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
• Video: Peters Convenes Hearing To Examine The Assassination Attempt On Former President Donald Trump