Priest Stabbing and Mob Violence in Omaha Amplify Urgency for Security Measures
TERRORISM UPDATE
Last night, Israel launched an attack on Iran. There was no direct U.S. involvement, however, our CENTCOM commander was in an Israeli CP for the last few days. You should be monitoring this conflict. It has enraged muslims around the world and many groups, like ISIS, have called for attacks on Christians and Jews around the world. The biggest threat right now is from an enraged lone wolf actor attacking our church or staff. A good example of this is in our Crimes Against Persons section where a priest was stabbed in Florida.
If the U.S. were to become directly involved in conflict with Iran, Hezbollah agents already in the U.S. will be activated and conduct terror attacks throughout the U.S.
We will maintain this elevated alert posture until at least November 6th where we will re-evaluate our status day by day.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Florida Pastor Stabbed in Apparent Random Attack, Recovering in Hospital
Father Matt Marino, lead pastor of Trinity Parish in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, is in stable condition after being stabbed in an apparent random attack on October 23. Marino, who was wearing clergy attire, was attacked by a passing bicyclist while having coffee at a nearby café. Witnesses initially thought Marino had suffered a medical issue before realizing he had been stabbed. Police issued alerts and arrested a suspect, 22-year-old Arienna Gibbs, two hours later. Gibbs, who has a prior conviction for simple battery, is charged with second-degree attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Trinity Parish temporarily locked down its facilities following the incident and released a statement expressing gratitude for Marino’s medical care and requesting prayers. St. Augustine Police have not disclosed a motive for the attack, which they described as “senseless,” and are continuing their investigation.
You should maintain situational awareness at all times, especially now with heightened tensions In the Middle East and the elevated Church Security Threat Level (currently at red, imminent risk of attack). We don’t know why the father was attacked, but many mentally ill people have heard the cry from ISIS a to attack Christians and Jews around the world. There is also social media “influencers” that are provoking people into violence over violence in the M.E. Read the article below on situational awareness and start putting it into practice.
Protester Arrested at Texas Megachurch Over Questions on Pastor’s Housing Allowance
A protester was arrested on October 22 after causing a disturbance during Sunday services at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, where he reportedly questioned the church’s financial practices. Filmmaker Nathan Apffel carried signs asking about the salary and housing allowance of the church’s senior pastor, drawing attention to the IRS-approved clergy housing allowance. When Apffel refused police requests to leave, he was arrested. Pastor Dave Clark stated that Apffel had previously engaged in disruptive behavior at churches across the country. Clark also defended the church’s use of the housing allowance, explaining that an external audit is conducted annually to ensure financial compliance and transparency. Fellowship Church has previously faced scrutiny for housing allowance issues, including a 2021 case where a former employee was convicted of embezzling funds.
I encourage you to watch the suspect’s video here on X. It appears, to me, that the man is there to get likes and clicks on his social media page. His video shows how the church handled the incident, which was mostly good. I am going to do a longer video on their response when I get a chance, but seeing the first security officer to show up wearing a plate carrier and a ball cap backwards doesn’t give the church a very professional image. Take a look at my article, below, on how to handle 1st Amendment auditors.
Tow Truck Driver Robbed at Gunpoint in Church Parking Lot in Ohio
A tow truck driver was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of Mayfield United Methodist Church in Chester Township, Ohio, while repossessing a vehicle on October 22. According to police, the driver had secured the vehicle at the church when two individuals blocked his exit with another car, forcibly removed him from the truck at gunpoint, and fired a shot in his direction before fleeing in the repossessed vehicle. Chester Township police quickly identified and arrested both suspects, who now face charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated menacing. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
People use our parking lots for a variety of reasons. I went to church parking lots to write reports because it was a comforting place to be with friendly people. Some people go there because it is a place of sanctuary. However, trouble may follow people into our lots. This is a good example. Firstly, you need to monitor people in your lot. Just pay attention to them and look for signs of trouble. Basically, practice good situational awareness. If problems do occur, lock your church down and call 911.
Omaha Woman Assaulted in Church Parking Lot by Mob
An Omaha woman was attacked by a mob in a church parking lot after a group reportedly gathering for street racing became violent. The woman, who sustained vehicle damage and personal injuries, recounted fearing for her life as she was struck and pulled down by multiple attackers. The assault left her car heavily damaged and resulted in the loss of a cell phone containing sentimental voicemails. Local authorities, pledging "zero tolerance," are collaborating with security and tracking resources to identify suspects and pursue justice.
Just like the case above, our parking lots attract all sorts of people. Street racing is not the same as when you were a kid. They have evolved into crime parties, often with violent crime following the pack of cars. You should never approach a large group of people without a tactical advantage. Going by yourself to confront a large crowd does not give you a tactical advantage. Call the police and let them handle it. if you MUST contact the group, give them an avenue of escape from you, have multiple people to assist and watch your back, and have less lethal options like pepper spray at hand. You should also have an escape route for yourself as well.
SEX CRIMES
Man Arrested for Recording People in Church Bathroom
In Bloomingdale, Illinois, a 24-year-old man from Atlanta has been arrested on charges of unauthorized video recording after a hidden camera was discovered in the women’s bathroom of the World Mission Society Church. Investigators reported the camera, concealed within a vent, had been recording since at least August, capturing footage of at least 24 victims, including minors. The church is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and additional charges may follow.
This has been happening more and more. Make a search of the bathrooms and changing rooms a regular routine before and after service. The most common place for a camera is in the vent space. If you find a device, do not touch it. Call the police and let them recover it. There are special procedures to recover digital evidence as well as DNA/Fingerprint evidence that can be disturbed by you.
Florida Worship Leader Arrested for Unlawful Sexual Contact With Minor Congregant
A former worship leader from Elevate Life Church’s Oakleaf Plantation campus in Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested for alleged unlawful conduct involving a 16-year-old church member, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The 32-year-old exchanged over 27,000 messages with the minor and allegedly met with them on multiple occasions. Following a three-month investigation, authorities charged him with multiple offenses related to inappropriate contact and communication. Church officials reported the incidents to law enforcement and terminated his employment upon learning of the allegations. Elevate Life Church emphasized its commitment to safety, detailing its use of background checks, screening, and safety training to protect congregants. The suspect is currently held with a bond set at $325,015, and officials do not believe there are additional victims.
The church did a great job by terminating him and working with law enforcement. With most sex crimes, you can expect there to be multiple victims going back years. You should see if there are other victims in this church and any others he had any position in.
Koinonia Church Pastor Resumes Role Following Sexual Assault Charges
Ronnie Goines, founding pastor of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington, Texas, has resumed his duties after a brief absence following his July arrest on charges of sexual assault and indecent assault. Goines, who has denied the allegations, stepped back from preaching but continued as lead pastor. During his absence, Executive Pastor James Ray Taylor served as interim pastor until he abruptly resigned this week without providing a reason. Goines, a prominent figure in the Arlington community, returned to preaching this week, maintaining his innocence and asserting he was not removed from his position. Goines, 51, has been actively involved in local initiatives, including founding a STEM-focused academy and contributing to the Arlington Unity Council.
I am not able to find if Goines still has a pending court date for the sexual assault arrest or If charges were dropped. The first order of business for the church is to determine his criminal case status. If the case is still pending, it is my belief that he should not be in a position as lead pastor. He should be on hiatus until the case is adjudicated. This is for his protection as well as that of the congregation. We should pray for Pastor Goines and his church, but we should not forget about the victim. We should pray for the victim and lift her up. If this were to occur at your church, consider keeping the pastor on leave until this is adjudicated. In this case, the security team at Goines church should be watchful of Pastor Goines and not allow him to be alone and unsupervised with anyone.
Former Scoutmaster and Church Elder in Washington Arrested on Child Molestation Charges
Timothy Bardell, a 69-year-old former Scoutmaster and church elder from Sunnyside, Washington, was arrested on October 18 on charges of first-degree child molestation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Bardell, who served in scouting since 1963 and recently led girls Troop 6644 in nearby Grandview, posted a $50,000 bail on October 21. His arraignment is set for November 4. Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the case.
It appears he has placed himself in positions where he can have access to children. If I were the investigator or working at this church, I would suspect that there were other victims, potentially going back decades. If he was your scout leader or church leader, I would start looking for additional victims going through his entire tenure at your church/organization.
ARSON
Texas Black Church Destroyed by Fire After Racist Graffiti Found on Walls
Love Tabernacle Church, a predominantly Black church in Paris, Texas, was destroyed in a fire on the night of September 29, following the discovery of racial slurs spray-painted on its exterior. The Paris Fire Department arrived to find the single-story church fully engulfed, resulting in a total loss of the building, although no injuries were reported. Local activist Brenda Cherry urged authorities to treat the incident as a hate crime, citing the disturbing presence of racist graffiti. While the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office has joined the investigation, the Paris Police Department has stated that the case is currently classified solely as a fire investigation. Pastor Tristan Love announced that services will temporarily move to Cooper, Texas, as the church community continues to seek answers and rebuild.
This is my weekly reminder that you need a burglar and fire alarm with a 4k video system. Here, the PD is stating it is solely a fire investigation. This is concerning because there are other crimes to investigate besides arson with this particular case.
Massachusetts Church Holds Outdoor Mass After Arson Forces Closure
St. Mary Parish in Franklin, Massachusetts, is temporarily closed due to a fire intentionally set on October 23, which caused smoke damage throughout the historic building. In response, Rev. Bob Poitras announced an outdoor Mass to be held on Sunday behind the church’s school. The Franklin Fire Department, along with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is investigating the arson, which was discovered in a second-floor room. The ATF has joined with the Arson Watch Reward Program to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the responsible party. The incident also delayed funeral services for Rev. Jack Sullivan, a longtime priest of the parish who recently passed away. Poitras expressed his hope for healing and unity, asking parishioners to pray both for the church and for those involved in the fire.
Again, every church needs a 4k video system and a burglar/fire alarm. Most suspects run off after the alarm goes off, however if they were determined, the police would get the call and could help minimize damage and capture the suspect. It would be a good idea to have the fire department come to your church to do training on fire extinguisher use. I would also start looking at and practicing your evacuation procedures.
Philadelphia Synagogue Vandalized and Targeted by Arson
Philadelphia police are investigating incidents of vandalism and arson at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Old City. After a monument outside the synagogue was defaced with graffiti on Monday, a dumpster fire was ignited behind the synagogue early Tuesday morning, which the fire marshal has ruled as arson. The synagogue building remains intact, but the incidents have raised community concerns amid rising antisemitic incidents. Police are reviewing surveillance footage, but no arrests have been made.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Pennsylvania Pastor Ordered to Repay $305K for Misuse of Church Funds
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that the former pastor of Peniel Christian Fellowship International in Dauphin County must repay $305,704 after being found to have diverted ministry funds for personal expenses. The court found that the pastor and his wife, the sole board members of the now-closed church, transferred funds donated for ministry purposes into personal accounts, using the money for items like vehicles and rent. A Dauphin County Orphan’s Court judge ordered that the repaid funds be redirected to a similar religious organization, dissolved the church, and permanently barred the pastor from serving on any nonprofit boards. The investigation, led by the Office of Attorney General, uncovered that a bequest of $387,478 left by a former parishioner was improperly managed.
Having only the pastor and his wife as sole board members of a church is ripe for fraud and sin. If your church is like this, you may want to look into its finances and operations. If you are a pastor and this is your structure, you must change this to a board that is appropriate for proper oversight and guidance.
Century-Old Statues at New York Church Vandalized in Early Morning Attack
Two statues outside St. Therese of Lisieux Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York, were damaged by an unidentified vandal in the early hours of October 22. Surveillance footage shows the suspect kissing the statue of the Virgin Mary twice before using a brick to damage its hand, the snake head, and the cross on a nearby statue of the church’s namesake, St. Therese. The church’s pastor, Rev. Liju Augustine, expressed sorrow over the incident, noting the statues' nearly 100-year history since the church’s founding in 1926. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating.
Ensure you have 4k video cameras and a monitoring system at your church so that police can more easily identify suspects in crimes. I have seen an uptick in vandalisms at NY area churches. If you are a church in NYC, I would recommend a 4k video system and a burglar/fire alarm. You are at a higher risk of attack/property crime due to your location and heightened tensions among residents of M.E. violence.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of Mexican Priest and Activist
Mexican police have detained a man suspected of killing Father Marcelo Pérez, a Catholic priest and human rights advocate, outside his church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, after Mass last Sunday. The accused, identified as a local drug dealer, allegedly approached the priest on a motorcycle and opened fire. Father Marcelo was known for opposing drug trafficking and had received prior death threats due to his efforts for peace in Chiapas, where violence has escalated amid cartel activity.
Mexico is a true Narco state. It is run by the cartels and if you do not go along with what they want, they will not hesitate to kill you. Many of these same people are here in the United States.
Somali Christian Convert Survives Third Violent Attack by Relatives
In Somalia's Lower Juba Region, a Christian convert named Mohammad Abdul suffered his third attack by Muslim relatives on October 5. Abdul, previously attacked in May and July, was assaulted after relatives accused him of leading Christian prayer gatherings in his home. This latest attack caused fractures and facial injuries. Despite severe risks, Abdul continues to practice his faith in secret, a courageous stance in Somalia, which enforces Sharia law and harshly penalizes apostasy.
Pray for Mohammad Abdul and pray for his safety from these attacks.
Security Guard Fatally Shoots Robber Attacking Early Churchgoers in Awka
In Awka, Nigeria, a local security guard shot and killed one member of a three-man robbery gang attempting to attack individuals heading to Sunday Mass around 6 a.m. The robbers had already taken valuables from one woman and pursued another who fled to her lodge. The security guard intervened, killing one suspect while the others escaped. Local authorities are investigating the incident, and the robber’s body was still at the scene as of the latest report.
Keep up the great work Keith... Satan is targeting the church from the outside and the inside.
Urging law enforcement to investigate something as a "hate crime"....
Since when were crimes loving? "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor."