Church Crime Watch 12/17/2023
Woman Tries to Mow Down Christians in Billings, MT
In a shocking event in Billings, a woman drove her Jeep onto a sidewalk at North 27th Street, deliberately targeting a group of Christians. Eyewitness Jamie Weinman, initially assuming the incident was a mere accident, witnessed the intentional nature of the attack, which resulted in minor injuries to a 45-year-old man. After committing the act, the driver fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended two hours later on Central Avenue by Billings PD. She is now facing serious charges including eight counts of assault with a weapon, felony criminal endangerment, and DUI. The case is currently under review by the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office in Billings, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Deadly Church Bombing in the Philippines by Islamic State
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a devastating explosion at a Catholic mass service in the southern Philippines. The attack, which occurred on November 4 at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, resulted in at least four deaths and several injuries. ISIS declared that the bombing targeted a gathering of Christians in Marawi City. This assault is part of a series of violent acts in the region, with Marawi having previously experienced a five-month siege by Islamist militants in 2017. The incident has drawn condemnation from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and international figures, including Pope Francis, who offered prayers and appealed for peace. The U.S. State Department also condemned the attack, affirming support for the Philippines. The tragedy underscores the ongoing conflict in the country's south, where Islamic extremist groups maintain a significant presence.
(Analysis: we should watch incidents like this and learn from them. We have ISIS in the United States and can expect similar incidents at some point in our future. With a reach of over 1 million people a month through CWT, you can expect it will happen to someone on the list. WIll it be you or the other person reading this? We won’t know until the day comes).
Series of Church Burglaries in Southeast DC
In Southeast Washington, D.C., 28-year-old Sequan Olney was apprehended and charged for a series of church burglaries. The Metropolitan Police Department reported that Olney committed these crimes at various locations on Pennsylvania Avenue and Minnesota Avenue. The incidents occurred on November 19, 20, 22, and December 6, involving forced entry and destruction of property. The arrest on December 6 came after the latest burglary on Minnesota Avenue. The investigation into these offenses is still active. This string of church burglaries highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious institutions in maintaining security and safety.
(Analysis: ensure your church has a burglar and fire alarm and you have reinforced entry points to delay break ins. Good 4k cameras are a must so police can make identification of suspects later).
Church Parking Lot Argument Leads to Shooting in Dallas
In Dallas, Texas, a dispute between two men in the parking lot of Lakewood Presbyterian Church escalated into a violent confrontation involving gunfire. The incident occurred following a church holiday performance on Thursday night. One of the men, aged 40, shot the stepfather of his children, citing self-defense after an argument over disciplining a child at the event turned physical. The victim, hit multiple times, was hospitalized in stable condition. The shooter, who also sustained injuries, was later arrested and held on a $100,000 bond. He maintained that the shooting was in self-defense throughout the ordeal. The situation was further complicated by the presence of an armed witness who intervened. This incident highlights concerns about violence in public spaces and the complexities surrounding self-defense claims.
Shooting Incident at LEAD Brick Church School in Nashville
A shooting incident occurred outside LEAD Brick Church School in Nashville, Tennessee, following a fight in the school's parking lot during a basketball game on the evening of December 15, 2023. The Nashville Police responded to reports of gunfire at around 9:10 p.m. Although shots were confirmed to have been fired, there were no injuries reported from the incident. The suspect, who was involved in the initial altercation, fled the scene in a black four-door Kia sedan. The police are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the shooting. This incident raises concerns about safety in school environments, especially during after-hours events.
analysis: again, most crimes start in the parking lot or end in the parking lot. Not all, but a clear majority. This is a reminder to keep an eye on your parking lots and to take training in de-escalation tactics to stop small problems from becoming big ones.
Nashua Youth Pastor Dies Amid Sexual Abuse Claims
A pastor at Nashua Baptist Church in Nashua, New Hampshire, died by suicide following allegations of child sexual abuse. He had been serving as the pastor of students and worship. The church dismissed Booker based on these "credible allegations," which were being investigated by Nashua police along with another department, believed to be Hollis. Though Booker was never formally charged, the investigation revealed further evidence of misconduct. The church, expressing deep regret for the victims and its community, emphasized its cooperation with the ongoing investigation and urged anyone with additional information to contact local authorities. This tragic situation underscores the profound impact of such allegations on both the victims and the religious community.
(analysis: This is a tough one. Read the article below that I wrote to safeguard your churches from sexual abuse. Lastly, ensure that you keep an eye on people that have broken our trust).
Safeguarding Against Sexual Abuse in Churches
Child Abuse Allegations at Arkansas Church
An incident at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, has raised serious concerns after it was revealed that the church leadership allegedly concealed information about a former staff member's child sexual abuse. The individual, a children's minister, had pleaded guilty to a lesser charge related to the abuse but was not required to register as a sex offender. This case has come to light amidst broader discussions about the handling of abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention. The situation has been criticized for the lack of transparency and communication with the church congregation, reflecting a pattern of inadequately addressing clergy sexual abuse and safeguarding the welfare of children in religious communities.
(Analysis: make sure your church has solid policies and procedures for everything imaginable and for the functioning of the church. Then follow those policies and never cover for any crimes or immoral conduct. The bible is clear and so should your policies).
Full story: Baptist News Global
Hundreds of Christians Arrested in India Under Anti-Conversion Laws
In India, draconian anti-conversion laws have led to the arrests of nearly 400 Christians, mostly Protestant pastors and church members, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh. These laws, which exist in twelve of India's 28 states and may extend nationally, ostensibly aim to prevent conversions by force but effectively inhibit Christians from practicing or sharing their faith. This violates the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Indian constitution. The arrests include 27 pastors, and incidents of confiscation of religious books and laptops have been reported. The situation is exacerbated by the rise of 'Hindutva' nationalism, promoting the idea that to be truly Indian is to be Hindu. Observers fear an increase in Christian persecution with the upcoming 2024 national elections. Release International, a UK-based organization advocating for persecuted Christians, has highlighted the severity of the situation, including instances of terrorizing women and children, pastors being beaten, and even deaths. The group urges the Indian government to repeal these laws and combat the growing intolerance towards minority faiths. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has also advocated for the repeal of these laws, citing their role in enabling harassment and violence against religious minorities.
Vandalism at Provo Temple, Utah
In Provo, Utah, a 30-year-old man was apprehended for vandalizing the Provo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The incident occurred after 3:30 p.m., where the individual used a hammer to smash several windows of the temple. His actions were captured on camera footage provided by church members, leading to his quick identification and arrest by the police. The suspect, Weston Huff, was charged with property damage/destruction, a third-degree felony, and booked into the Utah County Jail. This act of vandalism represents a concerning breach of peace at a place of worship in Provo.
(Analysis: ensure your church has a burglar and fire alarm and you have reinforced entry points to delay break ins. Good 4k cameras are a must so police can make identification of suspects later).