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.
Hamas calls for global protests outside Israeli, US embassies
In response to ongoing tensions, Hamas has issued a call for global demonstrations targeting Israeli and U.S. embassies. The group urged people to apply “popular pressure” in “all cities, capitals, and public squares” worldwide. As the story develops FB-ISAO will continue to update.
Analyst Comments: Hamas’s call for global protests outside Israeli and U.S. embassies shows its strategy of amplifying international pressure through grassroots mobilization in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. The call could escalate already-heightened emotions and exacerbate polarization in cities with significant Jewish and Muslim populations. This also brings concerns that accompany any mass protests activity and social unrest. Jewish and Muslim institutions should remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to their local law enforcement.
A Sergeant Is Accused of Shooting 5 Soldiers in His Unit at Fort Stewart
On Wednesday, August 6th an active-shooter incident occurred around 10:56am within the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area at Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia. A sergeant allegedly opened fire with his personal 9 mm handgun, wounding five fellow soldiers. All injured were treated and are now in stable condition. The base was placed on lockdown just minutes after the shooting began, and the lockdown was lifted later in the morning. Meanwhile, local schools were placed under a soft lockdown as precaution. The shooter was quickly subdued by courageous fellow soldiers, tackling him and pinning him down till law enforcement took him into custody.
Analyst Comments: This incident shows the critical importance of rapid response during active shooter scenarios. From a workplace violence standpoint, this incident shows other organizations what they may consider strengthening like threat assessment & behavioral indicators. This includes recognizing warning signs before an incident takes place, proactive threat detection, repeated training, and resilient post-incident response are all considerations for workplaces to consider adding to their security.
A Back-to-School Reminder from FBI Philly: Hoax Threats Are No Joke
As the new school year approaches, the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is cautioning students, parents, and educators that hoax threats whether spoken, written, texted, shared on social media, or posted online are serious federal crimes. These false threats disrupt school operations and strain law enforcement and community resources . Special Agent in charge Wayne A. Jacobs emphasized that “what may seem like a joke can quickly become a life-altering mistake. Think before you act”. The message urged anyone who sees a threat of violence to immediately contact local law enforcement or submit a tip through the FBI’s official channels.
Analyst Comments: The FBI’s reminder shows that hoax threats serve as a disruption with legal, psychological, and resource implications. Hoax threats that target schools are criminal acts with serious consequences. Preventing hoax threats in school settings requires a layered strategy that involves education, proactive safety measures, and behavioral threat assessment. Schools may consider having an education and awareness campaign on hoax threats and monitor school media.
ICYMI. CISA will be hosting a back-to-school safety preparedness webinar for K-12 schools on August 28 from 3-4pm. Interested members can register here.
DHS transfers FEMA staff to ICE amid hurricane season
The Trump administration has temporarily reassigned FEMA employees to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accelerate the hiring of 10,000 new agents amid the hurricane season. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FEMA officials assure that disaster response operations remain fully intact. However, former FEMA personnel warn that diverting staff could significantly impair the agency’s ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
Analyst Comments: During the peak of hurricane season, the Trump administration directed FEMA employees to temporarily be assigned to ICE to help rapidly recruiting 10,000 new immigration enforcement agents. Notices given to affected staff required them to accept the transfer within one week or face termination. This occurring during the hurricane season can significantly impair FEMA’s readiness for hurricanes. As we have previously indicated, the significant operational shifts at FEMA will inevitably impact disaster response in some ways, as has played out during the Texas flooding. Organizations are encouraged to ensure they have good connections with state and local emergency management personnel, particularly those in areas prone to hurricane activity.
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