Multiple Arsons, Man Threatens to Blow Up a Church and More in This Week's Church Crime News
TERRORISM INTEL UPDATE
We are maintaining the Severe Risk of Attack alert level through November 5th, coinciding with the upcoming presidential election. After the election, we will reassess the situation and determine if the alert level needs to be adjusted. This sustained alert emphasizes the ongoing threats we are monitoring and reinforces the importance of heightened vigilance for church security teams during this critical period. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to track developments and protect our congregations.CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Homeless Missouri Man Stabs Church Security Leader; Pastor Emphasizes Compassion Amid Caution
A homeless man stabbed the security team leader of First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri, during an encounter at the church on October 15, 2024. The victim is recovering, and while the incident has shaken church members, the leadership remains committed to compassion, despite the need for increased caution. The church is reviewing its safety procedures and offering support to anyone impacted by the event. The suspect is being held on a $100,000 bond in Jackson County.
I did a deep dive on this incident and what you can do to make sure you don’t have a similar situation at your church in the video above.
Rabbi Attacked with Wooden Stake in Silver Spring; Suspect Arrested
A 47-year-old man was arrested on October 14, 2024, for attacking a rabbi with a wooden stake in Silver Spring, Maryland. The incident occurred on Arcola Avenue while the rabbi was walking on the sidewalk. The suspect struck the rabbi with the stake for unknown reasons and fled the scene but was later apprehended. The rabbi sustained minor injuries, and the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. The area is home to several Jewish institutions, including the Silver Spring Jewish Center and the Yeshiva of Greater Washington.
With ISIS’s call to attack Christians and Jews, it is important that if you have symbols of your faith visible you should maintain a higher level of situational awareness. That doesn’t mean to not wear your cross around your neck, it just means you should be prepared to defend yourself at a moment’s notice. Below is an article I wrote on situational awareness that you might find helpful.
Man Arrested for Threatening to Blow Up Cleveland, TN Church
A man was arrested on October 14, 2024, after threatening to blow up North Cleveland Church of God in Tennessee if they did not provide him with money and a vehicle. The suspect, who identified himself during the call, claimed bombs were already en route and threatened further violence, including stating "someone was going to die." Police located and arrested him on charges of making false reports after the church contacted authorities.
SEX CRIMES
Riviera Beach Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault, Ongoing Investigation
A pastor from New Jerusalem Church in Riviera Beach, Florida, is under investigation following allegations of sexual assault by a 23-year-old female parishioner. The woman claims that Pheguel Pierre Louis, 40, visited her home under the pretense of praying over her after a troubling dream, then sexually assaulted her by rubbing oil on her body and using his fingers. Pierre Louis admits to "laying hands" on the woman's forehead, as he often does during prayers, but denies the assault. Authorities continue to investigate, believing more accusations may surface.
ARSON
North Las Vegas Church Fire Deemed Suspicious
A fire at a church in North Las Vegas, located on the 2000 block of Yale Street near Lake Mead Boulevard, is under investigation and has been labeled suspicious by local authorities. The fire, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, was contained to the exterior wall of the building, with no damage extending to the interior or attic. No injuries were reported, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in the investigation alongside local fire and police departments. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Usually when BATF comes in and the press release says it is “suspicious” it is more than likely an arson. The feds do take these investigations seriously. I am not a fan of the ATF, however, their arson investigators are top notch and usually have nothing to do with the gun side of things. Keep this congregation in your prayers and don’t forget to get that fire alarm. I remind you each week for a reason.
Second Fire in 16 Months at Orlando Catholic Church Investigated as Arson
Incarnation Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida, experienced a second fire in just 16 months, with the latest incident being investigated as arson. The fire, which broke out on October 16, 2024, around the church's temporary altar, caused minor damage and was extinguished by the sprinkler system before firefighters arrived. This follows a significant fire in June 2023 that severely damaged the church’s sanctuary, forcing services to be relocated to a parish hall. The cause of both fires remains under investigation, with no suspects identified yet. All church events have been canceled as officials assess the damage.
A win for the church for having a fire suppression system! If you can afford it, make it happen. They work wonders. Churches are a prime target for arsonists and churches are a large portion of arsons in America each year.
Sulphur Church Recovering After Arson Fire
Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma, suffered significant damage from a fire early Saturday morning, with the west side of the building being the most affected. No injuries were reported, but a young man, unconnected to the church or community, confessed to starting the fire at the scene. Authorities plan to charge the suspect with second-degree arson, burglary, and felony endangerment of life by arson. The church plans to rebuild, with the process expected to take around a year and a half, and has received strong support from local churches.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Suspect Arrested for Alleged Church Property Damage in Anson, Texas
The Anson Police Department arrested a 46-year-old suspect on October 16, 2024, following multiple reports of property damage at churches in the Anson, Texas area. Several churches, including the Church of Christ, reported broken windows and other forms of vandalism. Anson PD gathered evidence leading to the arrest, with the suspect now awaiting trial.
This is your weekly reminder for a burglar/fire alarm. Window breakage can activate an alarm (if you have that option) and it would alert police.
Suspect Arrested in $36,000 Kansas Church Burglary
A suspect has been arrested in connection with a burglary at a Kansas City, Kansas church, where approximately $36,000 worth of property was stolen. The police apprehended a 22-year-old suspect on October 16, 2024, who is now facing charges of felony burglary, theft, and criminal damage to property. The stolen items were recovered earlier in the week. The suspect is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $35,000 bond as the investigation continues.
Hartford City Council Member Arrested for Embezzling from Local Church
A Hartford City Council member has been arrested for allegedly embezzling funds from South Church in Hartford, Connecticut, where he previously worked. The police investigation revealed that from April 2023 to April 2024, the suspect used the church's credit card to transfer money to a shell company and then into his personal accounts. The 27-year-old turned himself in on October 15, 2024, and now faces charges of second-degree money laundering and second-degree larceny. Church officials expressed deep disappointment over the betrayal.
Make sure you do regular audits of your books. Take a deep dive on protecting church finances by looking at the article below.
Here is a link to 6 church burglaries in Pensacola, FL
https://www.facebook.com/share/mn1XhysyvcSvYZ7u/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Hey Keith,
We use a system called SecurX (SecurX.co) to track all of the Incidents that occur at our church, from minor to major. Over the last couple of years we have had 48 of these incidents. This information has been extremely useful in briefing new greeters, deacons, elders, staff about the importance of having a volunteer Safety and Security Ministry.
Your site is the only one I have found that reports national and international security incidents. It has been a real eye-opener for me to see how many of these occur each week in your report.
I'd really like to suggest again that you keep and make available to your subscribers some sort of annual catagorized tally of incidents that those of us out here can use as additional justification to our church boards and pastoral staff for the expense of policy development, training, cameras, alarm systems, laminated glass, security teams, etc needed to detect and delay hostile incursions in our houses of worship. I think such a tally would be incredibly useful for all of us.