Terror Update, Priest Attacked in Rectory: This Week's Church Crime Watch
TERRORISM UPDATE
We are still at a severe/imminent risk of attack. According to my sources working Joint Terrorism Task Force, we can expect to maintain this level until the inauguration. The biggest chances of an incident occurring, however, are now to November 5th.
Al-Qaeda 2.0: A Growing Threat to Churches and Western Targets
Al-Qaeda has evolved into a decentralized network, known as "Al-Qaeda 2.0," using regional affiliates to expand its reach in conflict zones like Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. These groups exploit local instability to recruit and plan attacks, posing a growing threat to Western targets, including churches, which are often seen as symbolic of Christianity and Western values. Al-Qaeda has encouraged its followers to carry out low-cost, high-impact attacks, such as arson and bombings, potentially endangering religious institutions in the U.S. and Europe.
AQ 2.0 is a serious threat to us. Under the leadership of Bin Ladin’s son in Afghanistan, they are planning an even bigger event than 9/11. They are training unabated due to our withdrawal from Afghanistan with the added benefits of the equipment and bases we left behind. Many expert theorize we will have an October 7 type attack here on US soil that will make Israel’s event look like child play. Many assess the risk of that happening are within the next few weeks to the next few months. Churches are at the top of the attack list.
Afghan Man in Oklahoma Charged with Election Day Terror Plot
An Afghan man living in Oklahoma, who formerly worked as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan, has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack on Election Day in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. The suspect, a 27-year-old who entered the U.S. on humanitarian parole after the 2021 U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, is accused of conspiring to target large gatherings during Election Day with the intent to die as a martyr. He was arrested after communicating his plans to an FBI informant and is charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and obtaining a firearm for a terrorism-related crime. The man reportedly became radicalized after his arrival in the U.S.
Although he was going to do a martyrdom attack on election polls, many churches host polling stations. Many of my federal contacts have let me know that these types of cells are being intercepted with frequency right now. I am only going to publish ones that hit the news or come out in a Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES) bulletins (basically, LES bulletins go to the the New York Times an hour after they give it to us).
Watch My Weekly News Broadcast Below
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Man Arrested for Fabricating Church Shooting Incident in Texas
A man in Burnet County, Texas, has been arrested after falsely reporting a shooting outside a local church on October 6, 2024. The man, a member of the church's volunteer safety team, initially claimed he fired shots at two suspicious individuals, one allegedly armed, outside the Church at The Epicenter. However, after further investigation, he confessed to fabricating the story. He now faces multiple charges, including making a false report and tampering with evidence. Local authorities emphasized that no threat was posed to the church or its congregation during the incident.
First and foremost, we need to pray for the man that made the false claim. We all want God to give us grace and mercy, but we tend to not do the same to others. We are all disappointed by what happened. For some, it may have set our efforts at protecting our churches back. I did catch some flack from a few who felt I should have vetted the information. The information I used for my initial email came from the Sheriffs Office and initial press stories, which all came from the church. All of which (except maybe the press) are considered reliable sources. Just know that I never forward anything to you that is not already publicized, comes from a law enforcement press release or bulletin, or comes first hand from interviews from myself. I receive lots of second hand information, which I never forward to you until it is confirmed like I stated above. In the meantime, it is important to vet our prospective security members. I talk at length about it in the video below.
Maronite Catholic Priest Recovering After Attack at Rectory in Philadelphia
A Maronite Catholic priest, Father Andrew El-Tabchi, is recovering from injuries after being attacked at the rectory across from St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Philadelphia on October 2, 2024. The assailant forced entry into the rectory by damaging the door and physically assaulted the priest before fleeing. El-Tabchi, who suffered back pain and now requires a cane, expressed his resolve to protect his parish and seek justice, while also calling for prayers and forgiveness for his attacker. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the incident, and charges are being pressed against the suspect.
I don’t have much more information on this incident. I do want to remind everyone to have good situational awareness, look out for pre attack indicators and have a 4k video system in your church. Click the links above to read the articles to learn more and keep yourself from becoming a victim.
York County Man Arrested for Making Threats at Multiple Churches
A 53-year-old man from Glenville, Pennsylvania, was arrested after threatening churchgoers at four churches in York and Adams counties on October 6, 2024. Police say the man, armed with a hammer, entered the churches during services, using vulgar language and making threats. At the Glen Rock Church of Christ, the pastor noted that the man entered without a shirt or shoes, prompting security concerns. The suspect, now in Adams County Prison, faces charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. Authorities are still investigating his motives.
This is a great example of why you need to have a Signal App group to communicate with area churches (think group text messaging, but encrypted). When you have a serious incident like this, you can let area churches know immediately. Information is paramount in our business. Make sure you take our class on deescalation and the other on use of force. Both classes are critical in dealing with incidents like this. I’ll put the links for the classes below.
Community Divided Over No Charges Filed in West Fargo Church Shooting
The West Fargo community is reacting to the decision not to file charges against Don Barron, who fatally shot 25-year-old Austin Strom outside Prairie Heights Church in August 2024. According to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office, the shooting was ruled self-defense after Strom, reportedly claiming to be "God," engaged in a physical altercation with a church member before Barron intervened. Barron, a teacher at West Fargo High School, shot Strom after repeated warnings. While some residents support the self-defense ruling, others argue that Barron acted excessively and could have handled the situation differently. The case has sparked debate about mental health and the use of force in such confrontations.
This is clearly self defense, however just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Yes, you can use deadly force. Should you? No. Be ready to deliver less lethal force (pepper spray, baton strikes, taser, etc). Take a look at the class above on Use of Force. If you haven’t take it yet, it’s a good idea to get that done. You also need self defense insurance.
SEX CRIMES
Kenosha Pastor Arrested Again for Alleged Possession of Intimate Photos of Congregants Wife
A pastor from Journey Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been arrested for a second time following allegations of possessing intimate photos of individuals without their consent. The pastor, who was previously accused by a couple of sending himself intimate photos of the wife during a church gathering at his home, now faces additional charges after a second victim came forward. Kenosha police confirmed that evidence supporting these claims was found on his phone. Several electronic devices were seized during the investigation, and the church has cooperated with authorities while terminating the pastor's employment. The pastor had already posted bail after his initial arrest last month. Authorities are continuing to process evidence to identify any additional victims.
Just like last week, this is a reminder not to keep any photos on your phone that you don’t want your mom seeing or you don’t want floating around on an X rated site. If you loan your phone to someone, keep an eye on what they are doing, even a trusted person.
Kansas Pastor Accused of Sexual Assault of Disabled Woman in Utah
Ephren Taylor Sr., a 65-year-old pastor from Johnson County Church of Christ in Shawnee, Kansas, has been arrested and charged with multiple serious crimes, including rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated kidnapping, and abuse of a vulnerable person. The alleged incident occurred in Millard County, Utah, where a 22-year-old woman with an intellectual disability reported the assault on October 3, 2024. Investigators identified Taylor as the suspect through security footage and phone records. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial.
This is my weekly reminder that you need a strong policy to prevent incidents like this from occurring. There are multiple people that can develop policy for you that will cost you around $400 to develop. I’ll interview them in the coming months so that you have more resources besides me.
ARSON
Woman Arrested for Setting Fire Outside Church in North Carolina
A 64-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly setting a bush on fire outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on October 8, 2024. Police responded to the scene after a witness reported seeing the woman start the fire and flee. She was located a few blocks away and charged with injury to real property and burning of churches. The motive behind the act remains unclear, and the incident is under investigation. The woman is being held on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court.
Thank goodness it was a burning bush (pun intended). Make sure you have a fire alarm at your church. She easily could have lit the church on fire and that is rough to recover from.
Los Angeles Church Targeted by Arson and Vandalism, Prompting Hate Crime Investigation
St. Francis de Sales Church in Los Angeles has been the target of two arson attempts and multiple vandalism incidents since August 2024, leading police to launch a hate crime investigation. The most recent attack occurred on September 28, when a statue at the church's entrance was vandalized. Prior incidents include arson attacks on the rectory in August, one of which occurred while the pastor was inside. The repeated defacement of the statue, including offensive graffiti, has disturbed both parishioners and local residents. These incidents are part of a broader trend, with 63 attacks on Catholic churches reported this year alone.
Miami Gardens Church Damaged in Suspected Arson Fire
An arson investigation is underway after a fire broke out at New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, Florida, on October 6, 2024. The fire caused extensive damage to the church's interior, including charred walls, floors, pews, and water-damaged equipment. Witnesses reported seeing two men dressed in black breaking into the church before lighting a fire. Pastor Eric Readon expressed feeling violated by the incident, which occurred just before the church was to be vacated due to a recent property sale. Authorities are investigating the fire as a potential act of arson.
If your church can afford it, you absolutely need a burglar alarm and a fire alarm as well as a 4K video system. If you can afford it, you need to put these in immediately. When the dispatch center gets the call of a burglar alarm in immediately followed by a fire alarm at the same address, you will get everybody responding to your church. You may have a fire at your church, but at least the fire department can minimize the damage and police have a better chance of finding the suspects with a heads up from the alarm.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Vandalism at LDS Chapel in Santa Clara Prompts Police Investigation
Police in Santa Clara, Utah, are seeking community assistance after vandals extensively graffitied a chapel owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Rachel Drive. The vandalism, which occurred between the night of October 3 and the early morning of October 4, 2024, included offensive graffiti on the chapel's exterior, retaining wall, glass entrance doors, and trailers parked in the lot. Nearby private homes were also targeted. The Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department is asking for any information that may help identify the suspects involved in the incident.
This is your weekly reminder that you need a burglar/fire alarm and a 4k video system.
Screven County Sheriff's Office Seeks Help Identifying Church Burglary Suspect
The Screven County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a burglary at Ogeechee Church of God in Screven County, Georgia. The break-in occurred between September 30 and October 1, 2024. Surveillance footage captured the suspect inside the church, wearing a hoodie. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office at 912-564-2013 or submit a tip via their Facebook page as the investigation continues.
You need a 4k video system. This picture could be so much better. I may be able to identify the suspect, but it makes it a little more difficult. If you have the money for your church to get 4k video, do it immediately.
$350K Fraud Case Leads to Two Arrests at Jersey City Church
Two men from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, have been arrested in connection with a $350,000 theft involving St. George & St. Shenouda Coptic Church in Jersey City. Christopher Poppe, 35, and Glen Poppe, 65, were taken into custody after an investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that their company, Centurion Companies, had been contracted for construction work at the church in 2021. The pair allegedly falsified records to show payments to third-party contractors that were never made, while the church had already issued over $350,000 for these services. Both men were released and are scheduled for a court appearance on October 15, 2024.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Christian University Student and Three Others Killed in Fulani Herdsmen Attack in Nigeria
Four Christians were killed in two separate attacks by radical Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, Nigeria, including a university student, Solomon Kwanta, who was back in his village during a break from the University of Calabar. The attacks took place in Ayilamo on October 9, 2024, and Tse Wende on October 3, 2024. In addition to the fatalities, several others were injured, and residents have been displaced as the herdsmen seized their ancestral lands. Local sources have expressed frustration with the Nigerian government’s lack of intervention in the escalating violence, which is seen as part of a broader pattern of targeting Christian communities.
Kirinyaga Pastor Receives Threats, Congregants Skip Church Service
Tension rose in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, after Reverend Bernard Njuguna of Joy Holy Trinity Ministry received threats demanding his resignation over allegations of inappropriate relations with congregants' spouses and financial impropriety. Leaflets distributed in the towns of Thiba and Ngurubani prompted more than 500 congregants to skip church services on October 6, 2024, fearing violence. Despite the threats, a group of loyal members vowed to defend the pastor. Njuguna has denied the accusations and reported the threats to the authorities, but no significant action has been taken so far.
Brother Keith , you're rocking it! Can you suggest radios for church security teams? are there any that come with Bluetooth earpieces? Thanks, Manuel
Just subscribed. 🙏🪔💖