Man Fatally Shot at Church, Potential Active Shooter Averted in Another Case
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Man Fatally Shot During Altercation at West Fargo Church
A shooting incident occurred at Prairie Heights Church in West Fargo, North Dakota, on Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old man. The altercation began when the man, identified as Austin Strom of Browerville, Minnesota, attempted to unlawfully enter the church. He was confronted by a 66-year-old local man, Kent Hodges, and a bystander, 53-year-old Donald Barron II of Moorhead, intervened. Strom reportedly became agitated and attacked Hodges, prompting Barron to fire a single shot with his personal handgun, striking Strom. Both Strom and Hodges were transported to the hospital, where Strom was pronounced dead, and Hodges was treated for serious injuries. The West Fargo Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is seeking further information from the public.
I did a video breakdown of this incident that you can view below.
Armed Suspect Arrested in Pamlico County Church Threat
On Tuesday, Pamlico County Emergency Communications received a report of an armed individual threatening a local church in Alliance, North Carolina. Deputies responded swiftly and apprehended the suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man from Reelsboro, in the church office parking lot. He was found with a rifle, handgun with an extended magazine, and additional weapons in his vehicle, along with over 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Further investigation led to the discovery of more firearms and ammunition at his residence. The suspect faces multiple charges, including communicating a threat of mass violence at a place of worship and attempted assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently held under a $1,000,000 secured bond.
This could have been very serious. Go take my course on approaching vehicles in your parking lot. If you, instead of deputies, were to approach this car, what would have been the outcome? No one knows. But, taking that course and incorporating it in your training will go a long way in protecting you and your church.
Hanover Church Receives Bomb Threat in Swatting Incident
A church in Hanover, Massachusetts, was the target of a bomb threat in what police are calling a "swatting" incident. The threat, which turned out to be a hoax, was made on the morning of August 20, 2024, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. The church was evacuated as a precaution while authorities investigated the scene and determined the threat was not credible. The incident is part of a concerning trend where false threats are used to provoke a heavy police response, often putting communities on edge. The investigation into the source of the threat is ongoing.
SEX CRIMES
Gateway Church Pastor Fired Over Moral Failure
Gateway Church, located in Southlake, Texas, has terminated one of its pastors due to what has been described as a "vague moral failure." The church leadership did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the moral lapse. The dismissal comes after internal investigations and discussions.
These vague press releases over “moral failures” need to stop. Texas has been plagued my sexual assaults in churches over the last few months. This is the 2nd church to issue a vague statement about a dismissal that makes the situation worse. With so much ciminality in our churches over sex crimes, you need to be up front. I’ve written here before, about the need to set the story straight with the press or someone will speak for your church. Issuing a half statement leaves open for others to fill in the blanks.
With so many Texas churches in the news, I would suggest an internal review of your policies and procedures in protecting children and vulnerable adults. I would also make sure you are backgrounding your staff and volunteers, including on a yearly basis.
For more information, you can view the full article here.
Former Church Youth Counselor Charged with 19 Counts of Child Sexual Assault
A former church youth counselor has been charged with 19 counts related to the alleged sexual assault of children. The charges stem from incidents involving multiple victims that occurred while the individual was serving in a church setting. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the church.
ARSON
Byron United Methodist Church Damaged by Arson, Suspect Arrested
The Byron United Methodist Church in Byron, Georgia, suffered significant damage after a fire was allegedly set intentionally on Tuesday. Local police and fire departments confirmed the incident as arson. A suspect was arrested in Columbia County, and investigations by multiple agencies are ongoing. The church’s office building was completely destroyed, though the sanctuary had minimal damage. Services will continue in an unaffected building. The church's food pantry, vital to the community, was also lost in the fire.
This is your weekly reminder that you need a burglar/fire alarm at your church. Each week I mention it and another week goes by that churches ignore this simple tool to protect your church from major damage or loss.
Missouri Man Charged with Arson After Setting Fire to Church
A 58-year-old man from El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been charged with arson, burglary, and property damage after allegedly setting fire to the First Christian Church in Nevada, Missouri. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, when the suspect reportedly broke into the church by smashing a window and then ignited fires in two separate locations within the building. The man, who was found outside the church with injuries and his clothes covered in blood, called 911 claiming people were trying to set him on fire. He is currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and will face charges upon his release.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Northern California Church Treasurer Sentenced for Embezzlement
A former church treasurer in Northern California was sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling over $200,000 from her church. The individual used church funds to pay for personal expenses, including credit card bills and a phone bill, over a period of several years. This crime occurred at a church located in Placer County, California. The court has also ordered her to repay the full amount stolen as part of her sentence.
To learn more about protecting your church’s finances and offerings, read my article on the subject here.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
Preacher Sentenced for Defrauding Church Members in $800,000 Scheme
A preacher from Alexandria, Virginia, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for defrauding church members in North Carolina and other states out of $800,000 through a fraudulent investment scheme. Michael Mandel Baldwin, 55, used his position as an assistant pastor and musical director to promote a fake project called "Miracle Mansion," convincing church members and others to invest in what he claimed would be a significant family entertainment complex rooted in Biblical values. Instead, Baldwin spent the money on personal expenses and a Ponzi-like scheme to pacify questioning investors. Baldwin was convicted of wire fraud and securities fraud and will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Read the full story here.
Man Arrested for String of Church Burglaries in Fairfax County
A man from Sterling, Virginia, has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing multiple churches across Fairfax County. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Steven Hildner, is linked to at least seven break-ins at churches located in Burke, Fairfax Station, Chantilly, Annandale, and Oakton, with the incidents stretching back as far as April 2024. The most recent burglary occurred just last week. Law enforcement officials note that churches often become "soft targets" due to being unoccupied for much of the week and lacking substantial security measures. Hildner will face charges related to these crimes as the investigation continues.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Religious Persecution and Violence in Oaxaca, Mexico
In San Isidro Arenal, Oaxaca State, a Protestant minority has faced severe persecution from the majority Roman Catholic community. This includes the burning of their church, destruction of property, forced displacement, and physical attacks. The violence, driven by local leaders enforcing religious conformity, has sparked mass demonstrations demanding protection for religious freedom.
For further details, visit CSW.
Nigerian Church Burned Down for the Second Time by Muslim Extremists
A Christian church in Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria, was burned down by Muslim extremists for the second time on August 10, 2024. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was set ablaze around 3 a.m., with properties looted by local hoodlums. The church had previously been destroyed a decade ago, and despite opposition, was rebuilt by the congregation. The attack has heightened religious tensions in the region, prompting calls from Christian leaders for government intervention to ensure religious freedom and prevent further violence. The state governor condemned the act and pledged to uphold peaceful coexistence among religious groups.
Over 70 Christians Killed and 20 Medical Students Kidnapped in Nigeria
In a series of violent attacks in Benue State, Nigeria, more than 70 Christians were killed and 20 Christian medical students were kidnapped by militants. The attacks on the predominantly Christian village of Ayati were reportedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen and local bandits. This violence highlights ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria, where Christian communities have faced severe attacks from both Muslim extremists and terrorist groups like Boko Haram. The incidents have renewed calls for the U.S. Department of State to designate Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" for religious freedom violations.
Great article. Thanks to you, we are hearing international information that is never reported in the MSM.
Good question. When you’re in a shooting, most people experience auditory exclusion. It won’t be an issue. No need to train for it. Just Google auditory exclusion and you’ll see a number of studies on this issue. You’ll be good to go brother. Thank you for defending the flock.