Shots Fired at Deadly Church Shooting

On Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded at Prairie Heights Church in West Fargo, North Dakota. A violent confrontation between two church members led to a passerby intervening, ultimately resulting in a fatal shooting. This tragic event highlights the importance of church security and situational awareness.

In video below, I break down what happened, discuss what could have been done to prevent it, and provide some training tips for anyone concerned with safety—whether you're on a church safety team or a concealed carrier.

The Incident

The events occurred around 7:48 AM when police were called to the church in response to an assault with shots fired. When officers arrived, they found a 25-year-old man named Austin Strom from Browerville, Minnesota, shot in the chest. Despite being transported to the hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. Austin’s mother later revealed that her son had a history of mental illness, addiction, and gambling problems.

Austin had traveled from Minnesota to North Dakota to act as a greeter at Prairie Heights Church. According to reports, Austin was either sleeping at the church or in his car the night before the incident. On Saturday morning, 66-year-old Kent Hodes, another church worker, arrived and was subsequently attacked by Austin. The reason for the attack remains unclear.

A 53-year-old passerby named Donald Baron witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene. Unfortunately, Austin redirected his assault from Kent to Donald, forcing Donald to defend himself by firing a single shot that killed Austin. Kent was also hospitalized with severe but non-life-threatening injuries.

Law enforcement briefly took Donald into custody for questioning, but given the circumstances, this appears to be a clear case of self-defense.

Just a reminder, I did a comparison of self defense plans for just such and event. You can read the comparison below.

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Preventing Similar Incidents at Your Church

While it's impossible to predict every potential threat, there are measures that churches can take to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. Here are a few key strategies:

Situational Awareness

One of the most critical aspects of preventing violent incidents is situational awareness. Church members, especially those involved in security, should be trained to recognize signs of distress or unusual behavior in attendees. If you see someone sleeping outside your church, for example, it's important to avoid approaching them alone. Instead, consider using a different entrance or calling the police for assistance. Remember, people with mental health or addiction issues may react unpredictably, especially if startled or woken up abruptly.

Monitoring High-Risk Individuals

Churches should remain open and welcoming to everyone, including those who may be struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or domestic violence. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on individuals at risk. Regularly check in with them and provide support and resources when needed. This proactive approach can help prevent situations from escalating to violence.

Training on Pre-Attack Indicators

Understanding pre-attack indicators can be invaluable for church safety teams. These are subtle behavioral cues that suggest someone may be about to become violent. For example, if a person suddenly adopts a bladed stance or begins clenching their fists, these could be signs of an impending attack. Recognizing these indicators early allows you to respond appropriately, whether that means positioning yourself to de-escalate the situation or preparing to defend yourself.

Less Lethal Options

For those who carry concealed firearms, it’s important to have less lethal options available. Not every situation warrants the use of deadly force. Pepper spray, for example, can be a highly effective tool for deterring an attacker without resorting to lethal means. In the case of the West Fargo shooting, pepper spray might have stopped Austin without resulting in his death. Tasers are another option, though they require proper training and are not always as reliable as one might hope.

The Importance of Self-Defense Insurance

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, it’s crucial to have a self-defense insurance plan in place. In situations like the one in West Fargo, the legal aftermath can be just as daunting as the incident itself. Self-defense insurance ensures that you have access to legal representation and financial support should you face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.

During officer-involved shootings, the standard advice is to request a lawyer before speaking to the police. The same holds true for civilians. Having a self-defense insurance plan like Right to Bear Arms, which has been highly rated for church safety team members, can make all the difference in protecting yourself legally after a defensive shooting.

Final Thoughts

This tragic event underscores the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re part of a church safety team or simply a concerned concealed carrier, staying vigilant and trained can help you protect yourself and others in dangerous situations.

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