Special Thanks to our friend Keith Graves, founder of Christian Warrior Training, for this information.Alert: Conditions RED for Faith Community.
Churches, Synagogues, and community religious events as priority targets for Islamic State-inspired actors. The assessment concludes that IS propaganda exploiting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has produced a documented increase in calls for attacks against religious and political symbols, with radicalized individuals framing this violence as a righteous response to perceived grievances against Muslims.
Iran Threatens Attacks on Parks, Public Gatherings, and Tourist Destinations Worldwide — Including U.S. Soft Targets. With Easter Sunday coming up, events inside and outside can be targets and the use of decals in an attact is a new danger. This is a time to be on high alert and aware of anything unusual, out of the ordinary. Churches gathering on predictable schedules, especially with open doors and public-facing event calendars, fit the definition of a soft target, and in danger.
Weaponized Commercial Drones — A New Threat Church Security Teams Need to Understand And Be Aware Of For Danger. A recreational drone, modified with an off-the-shelf drop mechanism and a small IED, can deliver a lethal payload into a crowded outdoor gathering with no warning and no shooter to identify. Open-air church events, outdoor baptisms, parking lots during peak service times, and church camps are environments where this threat applies directly. Use of a recreational drone, modified with an off-the-shelf drop mechanism and a small IED, can deliver a lethal payload into a crowded outdoor gathering with no warning and no shooter to identify.
Shootings Outside Church During Funeral Service are a new danger that some churches may not be aware of. And a shooting of a Deacon in Portsmouth, who was observing activity in the parking lots, shows it’s already occurring here. This is why a Safety Team member should be observing suspicious activities outside. Many churches allow their facilities to be used by those who have no connection to church, and could add unknown danger. Check to see if the person the service is for, had gang or crime ties. If they do, you must post extra security. Rivals will know the gang is gathered at your church for the funeral and may come for retaliation.
The bottom line, churches need a Safety Plan, Policies to direct what to do and not to do and a trained team. Ideally your team leader or others on your team will have law enforcement, military or security, and familiar with things to do, how and when to do then, what not to do. And Importantly, Be Prepared, and Ready, To Act or React. Remember you are a Ministry, not police. Have a good relationship with EMS, Fire and Ploice, invite them to tour your facility to be familiar with it in an emergency. It .ay be helpful to give them a layout of building. And if anything suspicious, call and let them know it’s not a problem but to head that way if things change and helo needed. Be Prepared, Ready.
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