3 Incidents in 2023 That Proved We Need Church Security Teams

The Escalating Trend of Violence Against Christians and Jews in the U.S.

In recent years, the United States has witnessed an alarming rise in violent incidents targeting religious institutions. These acts, ranging from shootings to attempted attacks, have not only shattered the sanctity of places of worship and education but also raised serious concerns about security and the underlying causes of such aggression. The motivation behind these incidents varies, but the impact on the communities and the nation as a whole is uniformly devastating.

The incidents that particularly stand out in this disturbing trend include the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, an attempted mass shooting in Haymarket, Virginia, and an attempted attack at Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis, Tennessee. Each of these events highlights different aspects of the challenges religious institutions face in today's climate, from dealing with the aftermath of a direct attack to the importance of proactive security measures.

The Covenant School Shooting, Nashville, Tennessee

The Incident

On a fateful day in 2023, The Covenant School, a Christian educational institution in Nashville, Tennessee, became the site of a devastating mass shooting. This attack was perpetrated by a former student, who tragically took the lives of multiple individuals. The assailant, armed and determined, breached the school's front glass doors, causing immediate chaos and fear among students and staff. The incident ended with the shooter being neutralized by law enforcement, but not before leaving a lasting impact on the community and the nation.

Lessons Learned

I did a video on what was learned after the incident that you can view below. The suspect intentionally looked for security at the church before starting the attack. She also breached glass doors at the front of the school, which made it so she had easy entry into the school.

This shows that visible security is a necessity and that full glass doors are useless at keeping an adversary from coming after our children and our flock. I wrote an article about having visible security that you can read here and a downloadable form to help you inspect your church campus.

Mass Shooting Averted in Haymarket, VA

In Haymarket, Virginia, officers from two police departments thwarted a potential mass shooting at a church. Rui Jiang, 35, was arrested with a loaded gun and extra ammunition just after churchgoers entered the building. The alert came after someone noticed Jiang's Instagram posts showing him aiming a gun at church images. Police conducted a welfare check and located Jiang at Park Valley Church. He entered the church through a side door but was apprehended due to suspicious behavior. A search at Jiang's house uncovered a "kill manifesto." Jiang faces charges related to making threats and bringing a weapon to a church.

Lessons Learned

Members of this church are subscribers to the newsletter. The church had an off duty police officer that heard the information being put out and then saw the suspect enter the church. he was stopped immediately. It is imperative that churches have armed security, they coordinate with local law enforcement several times a year and they monitor unlocked doors. This is a classic case where church security saved the day and prevented a massive loss of life.

Mass Shooting Averted by Security Measures in Memphis

The attempted attack at Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis, Tennessee, occurred around noon at the school, which is an Orthodox Jewish institution. A man in his 40s, identified as a member of the Jewish community, fired shots outside the academy but was unable to gain entry due to the school's security system. The school, though on summer break at the time, had staff and construction workers present, and they promptly went into lockdown.

The suspect was apprehended by the Memphis police near the scene shortly after the incident. During the confrontation with the police, the man was shot and later transported to a hospital in critical condition. It was reported that the suspect had personal motives for targeting the facility and was recognized as a known offender.

Representative Steve Cohen, a Jewish congressman from Memphis, noted that the alleged shooter was a former student of Margolin Hebrew Academy. The incident prompted a response from local Jewish community leaders, who emphasized the importance of security in protecting their institutions.

For more details about this incident, you can refer to the coverage by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and The Times of Israel.

Lessons Learned

The Jewish community is doing a wonderful job at securing their facilities and the Christian community can learn a lot from them. This Academy did exactly what all churches should do to keep an armed intruder from coming in. Many Christian churches lack even a basic burglar and fire alarm system, let alone doors and windows that keep perpetrators out. Their communication with MPD was tantamount to apprehending the suspect.

The increasing incidents of violence targeting religious institutions in the United States call for a unified and robust response from communities and law enforcement. These events, which have shaken Christian and Jewish communities alike, highlight the urgent necessity for enhanced security measures and community vigilance. From the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville to the averted attacks in Haymarket, Virginia, and Memphis, Tennessee, the pattern is clear: the threat is real and multifaceted, demanding a proactive approach.

The lessons learned from these incidents are invaluable. They underscore the importance of visible security presence, the efficacy of stringent access control measures, and the need for continuous communication and coordination with local law enforcement. The proactive measures taken by Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis demonstrate the effectiveness of comprehensive security systems in safeguarding educational institutions. Similarly, the incident in Haymarket, Virginia, shows how alert community members and rapid police response can prevent potential tragedies.

As Christian churches continue to navigate these challenging times, the emphasis must be on learning from these incidents and implementing best practices in security and preparedness. This involves not only investing in physical security measures but also fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness among congregants and staff. Collaboration with law enforcement and security experts can provide valuable insights and assistance in developing effective security plans. By taking these steps, religious communities can enhance their resilience against such threats, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of their members.