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.
The study posits that previously, it was commonly believed the notoriety of mass shooters was primarily driven by the number of people they killed (lethality). However, this study challenges that notion and suggests “surprise” plays a crucial role in creating fame for mass shooters, even when considering the level of lethality.
To conduct the study, the researchers collected data on 189 mass shootings that occurred between August 1966 and April 2021. The data was obtained from three sources: the Washington Post, the Violence Project, and Mother Jones.
Also, since seeking notoriety is often a motive for mass shooters, not naming the shooter in reports may reduce the number of mass shooting. The Don’t Name Them campaign promotes not naming suspects.
A California synagogue received a $200, 000 state grant to improve security. The congregation tried to secure the grant for nearly five years. The congregation was one of seven Sonoma County houses of worship awarded a total of $1.8 million. The funds come from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Grants Management | California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Analyst Comment:
There are a wide variety of grants available. As the Sonoma synagogue shows, it may take a long time to receive a grant, so Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) should apply as soon as possible and to as many grants as possible. While each grant has unique requirements, a template with an organization’s information and needs can facilitate multiple applications. It is best to thoroughly review the grant’s requirements and show how your organization meets those specific requirements.
As an example of how specific grants requirements can be, Religious News Service reported that there is a federal energy efficiency grant for houses-of-worship.
Additional grants are available from other states and the federal government.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
A Pennsylvania church lost $12,000 worth of equipment used to run its operations. It also suffered $3,000 in damages. Four or five other churches have been broken into in the area.
Analyst Comment:
Burglaries can severely hamper a Faith-Based Organization’s (FBO’s) worship services and programs. Burglaries are not only a problem in this community, they continue to pose a problem across the country. Further, burglars can do additional damage to a house of worship with vandalism or arson. The Douglas County Sentinel reported that a man was recently arrested for burglarizing and vandalizing a Georgia church years earlier. NBC Bay Area news reported yesterday that a California church was burglarized and a bible and crucifix were burned.
Analyst Comment:
Connecting with local law enforcement to obtain crime data and threat intelligence data can help an FBO prepare for all threats to include burglaries. Local law enforcement can also do an inspection of your facilities and make recommendations for making them more secure. The Secure Community Network provides a valuable resource, their Low-Cost/No-Cost Safety and Security Measures.
Eric Spacek, Assistant Vice President — Risk Control with Church Mutual, answers a few of the most commonly asked questions about the potential risk of opening up your building to immigrants.
The article covers:
Will our church face legal action for harboring undocumented immigrants?
Do we need a special kind of insurance to provide housing for people at our facility?
Besides legal concerns, what are some of the other risks associated with having people stay in our church building?
Are there local codes or regulations that apply if people stay at our church for an undetermined amount of time?
What kinds of written guidelines should we have in place?
Analyst Comment: Faith-Based Organizations considering providing sanctuary should consider reviewing their security plans and making adjustments to those plans if needed. Exercises designed to test the plans could reveal some gaps that might necessitate further revisions of the plans.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court officially overturning Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion law to the states.
Analyst Comment:
As Reuters reports, the anniversary brought out activists on both sides. After the leaks about last year’s ruling, there was an increase in attacks on Faith-Based Organizations. Due to the anniversary of the Dobbs Ruling, Faith-Based Organizations may see new attacks and would do well to increase prevention and protection methods.
FB-ISAO Partnered with Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence Program and released a report in April. The Alliance focuses on analytical reporting on Hostile Events, related to the Dobbs Ruling, that targeted Faith-Based Organizations.
A person was shot in a Mississippi church parking lot while allegedly trying to rob an off-duty law enforcement officer, who had his family with him. The alleged robber died at a local hospital.
Also, Fox 5 Atlanta reports an 18-year-old was found shot to death in the parking lot of a Georgia church.
WSB TV reports an antisemitic rally was held outside a Georgia synagogue. Cobb County police were there and called the protest peaceful, even as protesters and people who live in the neighborhood came toe to toe shouting in each other’s faces. “This was the most frightening thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Chabad of Cobb County member Stewart Levy.
ABC 24 reports that police are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspects caught on camera as they were breaking into cars and stealing one at a Tennessee church.
Analyst Comment:
Regardless of the threat, Faith-Based Organizations are reminded that a layered approach to security includes securing the parking lot.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
The shooter was found guilty of the 2018 attack which killed 11 Jewish worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue. He was found guilty on all 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and the obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death. Counts 1-11 are capital offenses, meaning the shooter is now eligible for the death penalty. That sentencing phase is expected to begin on June 26.
Analyst Comment:
The Tree of Life shooting was the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in the US. The Jewish community continues to be vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The New York Post reported that the FBI arrested a man on Friday, who was planning a mass shooting at a Michigan synagogue. Faith-Based Organization should remain vigilant for threats. Also see Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence (cisa.gov).
Arson investigators of the police department are working with the fire department to investigate a fire at an Iowa church. The damage appeared to be total, with the whole front of the church burnt out all the way to the roof.
Analyst Comment:
The FB-ISAO is preparing a report this week on issues related to Hostile Events using Fire as a Weapon. This report will provide valuable insight into the Hostile Event threat of Fire as a Weapon and provide prevention and protection information.
A local sheriff’s office held a Safety in the Church seminar. About 160 pastors and church security team members attended. The audience learned about the legal aspects of church safety, first-aid, the use of a firearm, camera security, and more. Corporal Mario Lupica said. “Safety takes work. Safety takes forethought, and bad guys look for weaknesses.”
Analyst Comment: Local Law Enforcement is a critical resource for Faith-Based Organizations. They can make specific suggestions for your facility. They not only provide national threat information, they can also provide local threat information and vulnerabilities. Developing a relationship with local first responders can be invaluable when interacting during an emergency. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (DNI) First Responders Toolbox – Threats Against Houses of Worship Highlight the Importance of Religious Community Outreach document was developed for First Responders, but it shows ways that Faith-Based Organizations and local Law Enforcement can work together to better prevent attacks and respond if an attack occurs. It also provides valuable resources.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
A Burleson man who was being monitored by the FBI after allegedly posting about white supremacy and his fascination with high-profile mass shootings is facing prison time after investigators found materials for making a homemade bomb inside his home last month, prosecutors say.
Analyst Comment:
Many attackers idolize mass shooters. Posting or talking about this admiration is a reliable indicator of a threat and needs to be reported to authorities. It is generally, a good a practice not name mass shooters or use glorifying descriptions like “lone wolf”. This only encourages admirers.
An Israeli paramedic provided hands-on training at the Chabad of Poway. The training included information on how to save ones-self and others after a mass shooting or other type of attack. The hands-on training is part of the First 7 Minutes seminar training which has also been provided at African American communities, churches, and interfaith organizations. In 2019, the Chabad of Poway was the scene of an attack by a gunman.
Analyst Comment:
It is important for Faith-Based Organizations to provide members and employees with training to save themselves and others, because help may be delayed due to the ongoing attack. FEMA’s You Are the Help Until Help Arrives (fema.gov) provides useful resources.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
A man has been arrested a second time for criminal trespass and exposing himself in a Long Island, NY mosque. The day before, he entered the same mosque, undressed, ran around the mosque, and punched a tablet attached to a wall. He was released on bail that night. After the second intrusion, the mosque hired a security guard.
In yesterday’s post, at the top of More Faith-Based Stories, FB-ISAO listed the Daily Voice’s report about the original attack.
Analyst Comment: Faith-Based Organizations should continuously prepare for hostile events, even after perpetrators have been arrested or served protection orders. While actual attacks need to be treated as a serious ievent, awareness of the status of the perpetrator and the possible continued threat should also be considered.
A fire was deliberately set inside the sanctuary of a Massachusetts church after a Pride worship service was held. A member of the congregation extinguished the fire before it spread to other parts of the church. No one was injured and Sunday services will be held on a lower floor. In a related report by CBS, a Baton Rouge church fire has been ruled arson.
Analyst Comment: The June 13 Daily Awareness Post reported on a Missouri church that was completely destroyed by fire. The above church fires in Massachusetts and Louisiana show that Fire as a Weapon is a nationwide threat against all denominations. Prevention and Preparedness can keep a house of worship from being destroyed.
During the Crisis Management in High Rise and Complex Buildings conference, a presenter from International Protect and Prepare Security Office emphasized the need for preparedness. The presentation included questions that organizations need to ask about their preparedness and gave key principles of crisis management.
Analyst Comment: American society as a whole is becoming complacent about the threat of terrorist attacks, but the Faith-Based Community needs to be aware that the threat may still exists. While the presentation was aimed at high rise buildings in the UK, the material covered can be used by Faith-Based Organizations with any type of facility.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
During the current trial of the Tree of Life synagogue shooter, it was revealed that he ranted incessantly on social media about his hatred of Jewish people before the 2018 attack. CNN reported earlier that he posted “I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.” minutes before the attack.
Analyst Comment: Numerous assailants have posted threatening messages to social media before following through with a violent attack. Given that social media threats are a possible indicator, security plans should include a reporting mechanism for all types of threats to include social media threats. The U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators 2021 (dni.gov) discusses indicators, including social media use.
Father Charles Onomhoale Igechi was shot dead on Wednesday, June 7. The murder of Igechi is the latest in a series of attacks that have targeted members of the clergy in Nigeria. Murders of Christians has been an ongoing problem in Nigeria and other African nations. Earlier this month, the Christian Post reported the murder of 43 Christians. The Christian Post also reported that over 3.400 Christians were killed in 2021
Analyst Comment:. Faith-Based Organizations that are preparing for missions should consider having a good understanding of the threat environment in the country they plan to visit. The State Department is a good place to start.
Two critically injured survivors of the Michigan State University campus shooting say they intend to sue the university, citing more than a dozen ways they contend MSU was negligent in failing to prevent the violence. CBS reported in 2019 that MGM Resorts will pay victims between $753 million and $800 million.
Analyst Comment: Preparedness is a continuum. Plans should be reviewed, revised, and exercised. The FB-ISAO Resource Library has an abundance of resources to assist faith-based organizations with their preparedness plans.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
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.
Pregnancy centers were attacked in 24 states in the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision on abortion rights. More than 50 clinics across the country reported graffiti and broken windows, with damage sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars. Six clinics were also set on fire.
Analyst Comments: Most of these attacks occurred due to a change in federal law. While the national threat seems to have subsided, the threat may increase locally as the debate shifts to the states. Facilities must be aware of flashpoints in their state and region.
The pastor of the Missouri church said he was told that the fire is being investigated as arson, but neither police nor fire officials would confirm that detail. The pastor told the media that the fire occurred less than 24 hours after an incident at Sunday service. “We had an intruder that came into the service, and he was very disruptive. We didn’t know what his intentions were … When he walked out of the church I followed him out and locked the doors. This intruder came to the pastor’s house two days ago at 5 a.m. unannounced. It was the same man that came to the church Sunday morning.”
A Pride month display outside of a Missouri church was vandalized over the weekend. The lead pastor said the incident won’t slow down the church from becoming a symbol in acceptance and inclusion.
Analyst Comments: FB-ISAO has reported numerous acts of vandalism at church Pride displays around the country. While the vandalism in this case was not severe, those responsible for security should be on the alert for vandalism as vandalism may be the first step in an escalation of attacks.
Read a report detailing attacks on Faith-Based organizations following the Dobbs ruling.
Access the latest FB-ISAO Newsletter for additional threat analysis and upcoming event announcements.
Access all-hazards resources from public and private sector partners, curated by the FB-ISAO team.
The FB-ISAO’s sponsor Gate 15 publishes a free daily newsletter called the SUN. Curated from their open source intelligence collection process, the SUN informs leaders and analysts with the critical news of the day and provides a holistic look at the current global, all-hazards threat environment. Ahead of the daily news cycle, the SUN allows current situational awareness into the topics that will impact your organization. To sign-up for The SUN, please sign up below.
This post was originally informed by a TLP GREEN FB-ISAO Monthly Threat Overview, distributed on 27 June 2019.
Every month, FB-ISAO provides a TLP GREEN report, the FB-ISAO Monthly Threat Overview. The report is developed over a specific reporting period by a team of analysts. The report addresses all-hazards – to include physical, cyber, natural hazards, and health threats. The complete physical security section includes incidents involving hostile events, vandalism, theft, harassment, arrests and other notable events. In our May report, I was struck by the remarkable number of incidents that were included, specifically in the area of hostile events.
This month, it was a different portion of the report that notably stood out for me – the significant incidents of vandalism and theft, which are not necessarily unique this period, though some are specific to the month. One of the areas that we observed in June was vandalism aimed at houses of worship recognizing Pride Month (June).
“All of the faithful they should have some assurance that when they go into churches, that these places are safe” – Monsignor Edward Lohse, Vicar General with the Erie Catholic Diocese, via Erie News Now
Chicago, Illinois: “LGBTQ Pride flags vandalized in possible hate crime at Wicker Park church.” On 25 June, The Chicago Tribune wrote, “A week before thousands of Chicagoans fill North Side streets to share love, acceptance and pride for the LGBTQ community, a Wicker Park church is moving ahead after being targeted with messages of hate. Early Sunday morning, a pride flag and transgender flag hung outside Wicker Park Lutheran Church in the 1500 block of North Hoyne Avenue were vandalized. A Chicago police spokesperson confirmed police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.”
United Church of Renton, Washington State
Renton, Washington: “FBI Offers Reward of Up to $5,000 for Information on Renton, Washington Church Display Defacement.” On 28 June, the FBI announced, “On June 19, 2019, at approximately 2:30 a.m., an unknown individual (or individuals) used explosive devices to deface an outdoor display at the United Church of Renton in Renton, Washington. The display featured multi-colored doors, each painted with a different word from the phrase ‘God’s doors are open to all.’ It is believed that the subject(s) also wrote ‘Leviticus 20:13’ on one of the doors. This display was previously vandalized during the evening hours of June 13, 2019, when parts of the display were knocked down. The display was also defaced with explosive devices at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 16, 2019.”
Beyond Pride Month acts of vandalism, theft continues to target Houses of Worship. From South Carolina to Virginia, and across other parts of the country, theft continues to challenge our community.
Loudoun County, Virginia: “Group tries to rob Virginia Buddhist temple; may havestolen from others.” On 26 June, WTOP reported, “Four people tried to rob a Buddhist temple in Sterling, Virginia, on Tuesday, and that might not have been the only temple they hit… One of the men tried to distract the abbot by asking about Buddhism and about a statue in the temple, while the other man sneaked off and went around to the office building, and the two women stole several keys from the abbot… Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman said his department was working to confirm reports that the same group had robbed Buddhist temples in Maryland and North Carolina.”
Bethune, South Carolina: “‘We estimate that we have over $38,000 worth of losses.’ Bus among other items stolen from Bethune church.” On 27 June, WLTX19, CBS, wrote, “Sometime Tuesday evening a church in the town of Bethune was broken into and thousands of dollars of valuables were stolen including their church bus. The pastor of the Bethune Baptist church Scott Bernshausen said, ‘I came out and found the bus was stolen… We entered the building and realized that the burglars had broke in and stolen multiple TVs and electronic equipment throughout the church.” Church member Robert Horton had just been at the church around 9 p.m. Tuesday night, ‘the neighbor said maybe this happened between 9 and 10. So you never know when somethings going on or when someone could be watching what you’re doing.’”
Last week, this post’s author had the opportunity to visit with a church leadership team to discuss hostile events preparedness. With Board of Trustees members having watched an FB-ISAO presentation on Hostile Events (see this month’s FB-ISAO newsletter for info on the next session), recently attending local law enforcement training, and after talking with police and fire personnel, the church wanted to discuss ways to approach security and to minimize risks. Among the ideas discussed was the importance of basic facility hardening. Not every facility can have robust security measures, but it is important to have something – whether human patrols, security cameras, public address systems, mass notifications capabilities, the cloud-based Geoaware®️ platform being offered **at no cost** to FB-ISAO Pro Members by our friends at Vizsafe, or other measures. Hardening and a complete preparedness program don’t happen overnight, but can be approached in manageable steps, respecting time, resources and an assessment of risks (read a great article on preparedness from Homeland Security Today, “Hard Conversations About Soft Targets: DHS Workshop Aims to Save Lives in Mass Shootings” [28 Jun])
“I recognize that investments don’t happen overnight… Are we building security, redundancy and resiliency into our budgets, or are we just being reactive to everything? …we will not get any better during a crisis — we will fall back to our training.” Assistant Director Brian Harrell, Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in HS Today
In the case of the South Carolina church noted above, the church stated that, “We do have a security system and currently its with the burglars. We had just purchased a security system and we just formed a security team but before we could get the security system in, it actually got stolen by the burglars.” In Virginia, the temple has security cameras installed and operation and the Sherriff’s Office is reviewing and sharing footage with authorities in the other areas, according to WTOP. Two other recent incidents also demonstrate how having cameras, which can also help deter some crimes and attacks, at least also help inform post-incident investigations:
Erie, Pennsylvania: “Erie Church’s Security Measures Help Police Track Down Attacker.” Erie News Now reportedon 01 July, “The victim fought off her attacker, and he left, but not before he was caught on the church’s surveillance cameras. Erie police released a picture of the suspect, along with his physical description on social media. By nightfall, Erie police identified the man as Josue Mendez, 25, and arrested him, ‘The presence of the surveillance cameras at St. Joseph’s was certainly a help in this case,’ said Msgr. Lohse.” And in another Pennsylvania incident, “Police investigating after break-in at Northampton County church” (WFMZ, 01 July).
And in addition to cameras, the importance of threat reporting and information sharing cannot be understated. Beyond vandalism and crime, our community must always be ready for the possibility of hostile attackers. From WHTC in Michigan, 01 July: “Police were called at about 10 a.m. with the report of a suspicious incident at a church, which Mulder did not identify. The dispatcher was told by the church’s security official that a man made a comment about having a shotgun in his vehicle, and was headed to another church…”
Threats exist – right now, today. We need to take reasonable actions – today. Is your organization properly, reasonably, and responsibly addressing the risks you are facing? Are you actively working on preparedness and operations to protect and prepare your people and places? FB-ISAO will be providing our next offering of the Hostile Events Preparedness Series educational presentation on 25 July. It is free, and only costs you an hour and a half of your time. Contact our team for more information on that event.
Join FB-ISAO! We welcome faith-based organizations, charities and critical partners to join FB-ISAO. Access our TLP AMBER and TLP GREEN reports, join our collaborative forums, working groups, participate in leadership opportunities and take the next step in enhancing your organization’s preparedness, security and resilience!
The complete FB-ISAO Monthly Threat Overview goes into additional incidents, other threat vectors and provides resources for members. As a TLP GREEN report is available to all Standard and Professional members, as well as our Government and Law Enforcement members (read more on membership here).
Vandalism and Theft Incidents, for period from 23 May-25 June 2019.
In early June in London, Ontario, vandals scrawled an offensive message on the sidewalk outside of a mosque. Pictures of the graffiti were taken immediately, and police were called.
In early June in Germany, three mosques suffered assaults over a two day period. At one mosque, a right-wing group desecrated the mosque walls with graffiti that said, “get out.” In Hessen, vandals threw rocks at a mosque. Finally, at a mosque in Bremen, a copy of the Quran was set on fire. Police said they were investigating the attacks and expected to arrest the perpetrators soon.
On 8 June, the results of a British surveyrevealed that criminal gangs are increasingly turning to metal theft, including from church roofs. The survey found there were on average 37 reports of lead theft from churches in Britain each month. Security experts have warned that the thieves will often get violent if confronted.
On 6 June in Bergen County, New Jersey, a swastika was found etched into a classroom wall at a high school. It was the second such incident in the span of two weeks. On 28 May, a swastika was discovered on the wall of a bathroom shared between the high school and middle school. Local police are investigating, but they don’t have much evidence to go on, law enforcement said.
On 6 June in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a man was arrested after he was caught on video smashing a church’s windows. The church sustained $1,000 worth of damage as a result. Police say the man told them he had no reason for the vandalism, other than that he was drunk.
On 6 June in South Derbyshire, England, thieves broke into a church and stole money from charity collection boxes. Police appealed for witnesses to come forward.
On 2 June in Cardiff, Wales, two men were arrested after they broke into an Islamic community center. No one was hurt as a result of the break-in.
On 30 May in Florence, South Carolina, a pastor pleaded guilty to bank fraud and identity theft, having used his job as a bank manager to get loans and lines of credit for elderly customers and launder the money through his church. He used the money obtained through two customers to pay for rental cars, a home security system, and hotels in Myrtle Beach. He also closed a $50,000 certificate of deposit belonging to one of the elderly victims and made payments on his delinquent mortgage. The pastor tried to hide his financial doings by depositing some of the bank money in the church’s operating account and withdrawing it for his own use. He opened an account in the church’s name at a bank and disguised a $28,500 loan withdrawal as a donation from the elderly victim. The pastor faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for bank fraud and a mandatory two-year term for aggravated identity theft.
On 29 May in Anaheim, California, a man broke into a church and stole electronics and religious items. Security footage showed a man breaking into the church and stealing two iPads, a laptop, a projector, and a microphone. The suspect also damaged property inside of the church. The police department said they had not seen any evidence that would point to the burglary as a hate crime.
On 29 May in Lake Charles, Louisiana, acts of arson and vandalism were perpetrated against a church. Security cameras captured a suspect approaching the building with a five-gallon bucket of possible flammable liquid. The suspect allegedly attempted to get into the church by kicking in the glass doors. Unable to gain entry, police say the suspect then can be seen breaking out a side window on the church and throwing the bucket of liquid into the building. The suspect allegedly made multiple trips to the broken window, throwing lit items into the building.
On 28 May in Austin, Texas, it was reported that a sign for “Muslim Space,” an Islamic institution, had been defaced with Islamophobic language and obscenities. The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, asked police to investigate the incident.
On 28 May in Bellmead, Texas, a man broke into a church and stole two security cameras. The man entered the church through an unlocked window. At that time, he took a security camera and batteries for the camera. He also took a box containing keys to every door at the church. The following morning, he returned to the church and attempted to enter the front door using the keys that he took the night before. The alarm scared man off, and he took another camera as he left. He was eventually arrested by police.
On 23 May in Staten Island, New York, anti-Semitic graffiti was found written on the external walls of a synagogue. The graffiti said, “synagogue of Satan.” Meanwhile, at a Jewish school across the street, the letters “SOS” had been written. A spokesman for the synagogue said security would be increased. Police said they were aware of the incident and were investigating.
