In light of recent attacks targeting schools and places of worship, Christian and Jewish communities nationwide are stepping up their security protocols. Faith leaders and safety experts have noted an increasing sense of vulnerability.
The ongoing threat was underscored on August 27, when an individual identifying as transgender opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 21 others. The shooter reportedly inscribed firearms and magazines with phrases including “Where is your God?” and “Israel must fall,” prompting authorities to label the incident as anti-religious domestic terrorism.
“Many churches are acknowledging increased security threats and are training volunteer security teams to safeguard their services,” said Ariel Turco, director of the Centre for Religious Freedom at the Family Research Council.
Reports from the Family Research Council reveal a staggering increase in hostility towards American churches, with over 1,300 incidents recorded from 2018 to 2024. This includes gun-related events, bomb threats, arson, and vandalism. A significant rise in such incidents has been observed in the last two years, with 485 cases in 2023 and 415 in 2024.
Chuck Wilson, chair of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools, indicated that discussions around enhancing safety measures in faith-based institutions have gained urgency. He shared, “I’ve heard from various schools eager to adapt our guidelines, and we’re totally supportive of that. We aim to unite and ensure that we do not normalize this kind of evil.”
Wilson expressed particular concern over what he termed “copycat crimes,” drawing parallels between the Minneapolis shooting and the 2023 attack at Covenant School in Nashville, where a shooter killed three children and three adults.
Juan Rivera, pastor at Victory Church in Youngstown, Ohio, explained that their security measures have expanded significantly as threats have intensified. “Our greeters and ushers are trained to monitor entry points, manage services, and establish communication with local law enforcement,” he said, noting that the seriousness of the situation has prompted these changes.
The Archdiocese of New York, which encompasses 2.5 million Catholics and 153 schools, is prioritizing security. Rev. Ryan Muldoon from the Archdiocese shared that recent events have emphasized the need for stronger safety measures, stating that active shooter seminars have been organized for parish staff and volunteers.
These proactive strategies have proven effective in preventing violence in other areas. For instance, in June, a man opened fire outside a church in Michigan but was stopped by an armed security team member, averting a potential mass shooting.
As Christian congregations respond to rising threats, the Jewish community is also on high alert. Security protocols have tightened significantly, especially following findings that marked almost 70% of religion-based crimes reported to the FBI in 2024 target Jewish institutions.
Eric Fingerhut, president of the Jewish Federation of North America, remarked that the 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh marked a pivotal moment, driving organizations to enhance their security measures. He noted, “The shooting was a wake-up call to drastically improve our synagogue security.”
Jewish organizations are currently investing approximately $765 million annually on security, which has become even more pressing following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, leading to growing antisemitic behaviors in the U.S.
In a recent incident, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot in D.C. by a shooter who shouted “Free Palestine” upon arrest. This was followed by other attacks on pro-Israel demonstrators.
JFNA has heavily invested in security initiatives and collaborates with various faith-based groups to share resources. A recent grant program offering $9 million funds security in Jewish early childhood centers while also providing guidelines to other groups on safety measures.
Fingerhut emphasized that while Jewish organizations have done much, true religious freedom in the U.S. relies on broader security measures that encompass all faiths. He pointed to federal resources available, such as a program from FEMA that allocates significant funds for security enhancements like cameras and training, advocating for more funding from Congress.
Many states have also implemented their own security grants aimed at helping nonprofits and schools manage risks. In Minnesota, where the recent school shooting took place, Catholic leaders are advocating for additional resources to address security concerns.
Reflecting on the Covenant School tragedy, leaders urged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to allocate more funds for school safety, highlighting that such incidents should never occur again. However, their appeals have often fallen on deaf ears.
Fingerhut concluded by stressing the need for heightened attention from federal and state authorities, stating, “To achieve the level of security we need, comprehensive attention from all governmental levels is essential.”
