Faith Under Fire: Why Every House of Worship Must Prioritize Security
Rob Chadwick | July 20, 2025 | Townhall
In the span of several weeks, American churches—CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, Manantial de Vida Church in Naples, Florida, and Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky—faced imminent threats of mass violence. Most recently, in Lexington, two worshipers were tragically killed and several others wounded after a gunman stormed into a Sunday service.
Thankfully, at CrossPointe and Manantial de Vida, tragedies were averted in large part due to quick-thinking staff and security teams. Yet all three of these incidents underscore a sobering truth: Houses of worship are increasingly vulnerable and must proactively develop comprehensive safety and security plans.
On June 22, 2025, Brian Browning, a 31-year-old man wearing tactical gear and armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church during a Sunday service attended by approximately 150 people, including children. A deacon acted swiftly, using his pickup truck to strike Browning, slowing him down. This courageous act allowed several other safety team members, who had just attended a USCCA training class focussing on Protecting Houses of Worship, to incapacitate the attacker, preventing a potential massacre.
Just days later, on July 6, 2025, in Naples, Florida, 23-year-old Angel Antonio Arreguin entered Manantial de Vida Church during a service, claiming to be a trained killer and asking how much money it would take to stop a mass shooting. He had a loaded handgun and 60 rounds of ammunition. Church staff managed to discreetly alert law enforcement while ensuring the safety of congregants, particularly children. Deputies arrived promptly, disarmed Arreguin, and arrested him before any harm could occur
These incidents are not isolated. According to the FBI, hate crimes targeting religious groups have been on the rise, and houses of worship have increasingly become targets for individuals seeking to inflict harm. The motivations vary—from ideological extremism to mental health crises—but the threat is real and growing.
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