Man Shoots at Pastor on Stage, Armed Man Threatens Drive Through Nativity Scene
I cannot believe the amount of violence the past few weeks. Please remember that we are at Severe risk of attack. Keep your head on a swivel, but keep your church open and welcoming for people to come worship Christ.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Gunman Tackled After Firing Shot at Pastor in Suffolk Church
A gunman fired a single shot at a pastor during a Sunday service at Divine Church of Deliverance and Transformation in Suffolk, Virginia, before being subdued by church security. The suspect, 24-year-old Tremonte Smith, approached the stage and pointed a gun at the pastor, who pushed the weapon away as it discharged near his feet. Security quickly disarmed and detained Smith until police arrived. The pastor sustained a minor hand injury and urged his congregation to pray for Smith and his family. Smith has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses, with his next court date set for February 24, 2025.
First and foremost, good job to the security team. This is why we have security at churches! Next up, situational awareness is a gift to have. Many times, people’s demeanor will give away their true intention. If you detect that there is anger in their voice or on their facial expression, start looking for cover while you offer up assistance for them. Being able to identify people that are carrying firearms is another critical skill to have. I suggest you take my course “Assessing Threats”, which is completely free.
For more information, visit the Suffolk Police Department's Facebook page: Suffolk Police Facebook.
Feather River Adventist School Shooting Highlights Security Gaps
In early December 2024, an armed man used deception to enter Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, California, where he critically injured two young children before taking his own life. The suspect, 56-year-old Glenn Lytton, gained access by pretending to enroll a grandchild, raising questions about visitor screening and access control. Lytton, who had a history of non-violent offenses, showed signs of premeditated intent, including researching firearms and explosives.
Watch my full debrief below.
Armed Man Arrested at Indiana Church's Live Nativity Event
A man armed with a gun was arrested on December 7, 2024, at a live nativity event held by Central Ministries of Fort Wayne, Indiana, after allegedly threatening to "kill everyone." Tyler Leavitt, 40, reportedly pointed a loaded weapon at a police officer providing security and drove through the church property while about 100 attendees were present. Security disarmed Leavitt before he crashed his truck into a ditch and resisted arrest with a knife. One person sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, and another suffered minor injuries. Leavitt faces multiple charges, including battery with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement, and criminal confinement.
I read a couple of reports where there were shots fired at this incident. When you run your nativity scene, make sure you post security to watch for threats so everyone can enjoy the events in peace. You may want to place some type of barricade up to prevent someone from mowing everyone down in the event.
Church Housekeepers Hide From Intruder Wielding Hammer in Louisville
Housekeepers at Zion Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, hid under pews in the church balcony on December 11, 2024, after being chased by an intruder wielding a hammer. The workers, a young man and his sister, were cleaning the church after hours when the assailant confronted them and began smashing doors. They called 911 from their hiding spot, and police safely escorted them out after forcing entry into the church. The intruder fled the scene, leaving a trail of destruction, and it is unclear if anything was stolen. Police are seeking help from the community to identify the suspect, captured on surveillance climbing a fence on church property.
Don’t run to the balcony. There are not many escape exits there. If you need to flee, look at untraditional exits like windows, service doors, etc. Think of how an attack might happen at different points in your church and how you would escape in any given area.
Nashville Man Charged with Threatening Mass Violence Against Brentwood Church
A 26-year-old Nashville man was arrested and charged with threatening mass violence against Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tennessee. Authorities say the man sent alarming Instagram messages to a former high school classmate, including threats of violence toward the church. The suspect, who had previously been involved in incidents displaying concerning behavior toward the church and local schools, was apprehended by Metro Nashville Police in Spring Hill. The threats prompted the church to employ armed security and adjust its safety protocols. He is currently held in Davidson County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
Arrest Made in 1985 Double Murder at Georgia Church
After nearly 40 years, authorities have charged Erik Kristensen Sparre, 61, with the 1985 murders of Harold and Thelma Swain at Rising Daughter Baptist Church in Waverly, Georgia. Sparre’s arrest follows the exoneration of Dennis Perry, who was wrongfully convicted in 2003 and spent 20 years in prison. Perry was cleared in 2021 after DNA evidence from glasses found at the crime scene matched Sparre’s relative and not Perry. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reopened the case in 2020, leading to Sparre’s arrest on two counts of felony murder and aggravated assault.
Praise the Lord for good police investigators and advances in DNA science. It freed a wrongfully convicted man and sent the right one to prison.
Man Stabbed in Courtyard of San Antonio Church
A man in his 20s was hospitalized after being stabbed in the courtyard of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown San Antonio on December 9, 2024. The incident occurred as both the victim and the attacker were receiving food at the church. Witnesses reported the stabbing, after which the attacker fled the scene on foot. Police have not yet located the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
SEX CRIMES
Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Boy in Nashville Church Restroom
A 46-year-old man has been charged with aggravated sexual battery after allegedly assaulting a 7-year-old boy in the restroom of a Nashville church in October 2023. According to the arrest report, a witness found the suspect, the victim, and the victim’s younger brother in the restroom, with the suspect's hand down the boy's pants. The incident came to light during a court hearing on November 1, prompting investigations by the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Department of Children’s Services. Church leadership reported that the suspect initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the crime in a subsequent conversation.
First, so many kids are molested in public restrooms. I’ve also noticed an uptick in crime in church restrooms. Please watch your kids in the bathroom. Secondly, it’s not the church’s job to do an investigation. If someone reports a crime to you, then call the police. You aren’t trained to investigate cases. Let law enforcement do their job and let justice come for the victims. Don’t get in the way.
Chester County Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault of Intellectually Disabled Woman
A pastor from New Beginnings Church of the Cross in Christiana, Pennsylvania, is facing charges of attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and false imprisonment. Prosecutors allege that the 63-year-old pastor lured a 21-year-old woman with autism and a learning disability to his home on October 21, 2024, under the guise of offering her a ride. Once at his home, he allegedly assaulted her in his garage before being interrupted by her sister, who tracked her location via an app. Testimony revealed that the pastor had engaged in months of explicit conversations with the woman, exploiting her vulnerabilities. The case is being sent to a Chester County judge for trial.
More than likely, there will be many more victims. People like this get jobs within the church so they can find more victims. It is a position that affords them easy access to their prey. If this predator was at your church in any capacity, start seeking out new victims. From the pulpit, let your congregation know what happened and say out loud that if there are any of his victims at the church, you will help them seek justice and counseling. Justice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God’s heart for righteousness and restoration. Scripture calls believers to act justly, defend the oppressed, and stand against evil (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8). By helping victims seek justice, the church fulfills its biblical mandate to protect the vulnerable and reflect God’s character.
Tallahassee Worship Leader Charged with Sexual Assault of Minor
A worship leader at Morningside Church in Tallahassee, Florida, has been arrested on multiple charges, including sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl on church property. The suspect, 30, allegedly committed several sexual acts against the minor between July and October 2024. Charges include sexual assault, aggravated battery, and luring a minor with obscene communication. Released on a $30,000 bond, the worship leader is barred from returning to the church or contacting minors. Authorities are urging anyone with information about additional victims to contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Victims feel empowered to report past sexual assault after another victim comes forward. Expect more victims and expect that you might need to encourage them to come forward.
ARSON
Texas Woman Indicted for Arson at Snohomish County Church
A Texas woman has been indicted on three felony charges for allegedly setting fire to the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County, Washington, in August 2023, causing over $2.5 million in damage. The suspect, 38, was connected to the arson through cell phone records, credit card transactions, and surveillance footage showing her pouring gasoline on the church. She faces charges of Damage to Religious Property, Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs, and Use of Fire to Commit Another Felony Offense, carrying a combined potential sentence of up to life in prison.
This is your weekly reminder that you need a burglar AND fire alarm at your church, along with a 4k video system. I will keep saying it until you do it 😉
PROPERTY CRIMES
Escobares Police Investigate Break-Ins at Church and Funeral Home
The Escobares Police Department is investigating a series of car break-ins that occurred on December 12, 2024, during events at Sacred Heart Church and the nearby Rodriguez Funeral Home in Escobares, Texas. Surveillance footage shows a suspect walking through the parking lot and allegedly using a master key to access three vehicles. Items stolen include money, a jacket, sunglasses, a radar detector, and an engagement ring. The break-ins took place while a rosary and two funerals were in progress. Authorities are seeking the suspect and urging vigilance in the community.
Criminals know you are going to be busy for the next hour, so they can break into as many cars as possible in that hour. You see this come up frequently in the crime newsletter. Make sure you have someone posted in the parking lot. Remember, all trouble starts in the parking lot.
Vandal Causes $20,000 Damage to Statues at Redlands Chapel
A man vandalized the El Carmelo Retreat House chapel in Redlands, California, on December 6, 2024, causing an estimated $20,000 in damages. The suspect smashed three statues, including depictions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary holding baby Jesus, and St. Miriam, and also damaged a marble railing and walls. Witnesses reported the man entered the chapel around 10 a.m., expressing anger toward Jesus, before threatening a praying woman by throwing a potted plant at her. Police have yet to make an arrest but are investigating based on witness descriptions. Staff members, deeply disturbed by the incident, restored some of the damaged statues and reopened the chapel for worship.
Technically, this is a crime against a person. However, if a man enters the church and is acting in this manner and talking to him doesn’t work, call 911 and leave him a path to leave. At the same time, you can block him from coming further into the church. Continue to urge him to leave while leaving a path for him to exit.
Ex-Pasco Pastor Accused of $5.9M Cryptocurrency Fraud Targeting Churchgoers
The former pastor of Tiempos de Poder Church in Pasco, Washington, has been indicted on 25 counts of wire fraud and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Accused of defrauding church members and others out of $5.9 million, the pastor allegedly promised high returns of up to 40% through cryptocurrency investments that were never made. Federal lawsuits claim the funds were diverted for personal use, with fabricated account statements presented to investors. The pastor reportedly targeted unsophisticated, Spanish-speaking individuals, using his position and seminars to promote the scheme, which included a fake trading platform and a so-called Christian-values token called “ShekkelCoin.” Arrested in Miami, he also faces civil charges from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for unregistered activities and false claims.
If your pastor is trying to get you to buy into something, ask yourself if he is putting Jesus first. If the answer is no, Jesus is not coming first, then it might be time to find a new pastor.
Man Stabbed in Courtyard of San Antonio Church
A man in his 20s was hospitalized after being stabbed in the courtyard of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown San Antonio on December 9, 2024. The incident occurred as both the victim and the attacker were receiving food at the church. Witnesses reported the stabbing, after which the attacker fled the scene on foot. Police have not yet located the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
At Least 95 Christians Killed in Recent Attacks in Nigeria
Fulani herdsmen and other gunmen have killed at least 95 Christians in Nigeria's Benue and Taraba states in recent weeks, with 48 of the deaths occurring between November 24 and December 1, 2024. In Benue state, 18 Christians, including women and children, were killed on their way to church in Azege village, and 30 others were slain in Logo and Katsina-Ala counties. In Taraba state, gunmen killed a pastor and a young woman in separate attacks on December 6, fueling suspicions of extremist motives. Authorities and Christian leaders have called for investigations and greater security to address the escalating violence, which continues to target Christian communities across the region.
Gunmen Attack Church in Taraba State, Nigeria, Killing Pastor and Church Member
In Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria, unknown gunmen attacked a church on the night of December 6, killing a pastor and a female church member. According to police spokesperson Superintendent Usman Abdullahi, the woman was fatally shot in the stomach while studying for an exam in a church room, and the pastor was killed in his living quarters. Authorities report that no abductions or thefts occurred during the attack. The identities of the victims and details about possible arrests have not been disclosed as investigations continue.
Two Independent Protestant Pastors Shot in Vietnam's Central Highlands
Two pastors of independent Protestant house churches in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province were shot in separate incidents believed to be connected to their religious activities. On December 1, Pastor Y Hung Ayun, 62, was shot in the knee with rubber bullets by two masked men while riding his motorbike home. He suspects the attack was a warning to stop leading his unsanctioned church. Earlier, on September 25, Pastor Y Pho Eban, 57, was shot in the leg while working in his coffee field by unidentified attackers in camouflage, leaving him unable to walk. Both pastors face ongoing harassment from authorities due to their leadership of house churches not approved by the Vietnamese government. These attacks reflect a broader pattern of repression against independent religious communities in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Keith: I'm a donator and I set up my account for login's a few months ago. I'm unable to login to my account. I receive replies that I need to create an account. When I try, the reply is that it's already taken. Don't know how else to contact you for trouble shooting. Rick - rkot@montanasky.net
Great job to the Virginia Church Security Team‼️