Why It's Needed
With the growing number of violent incidents and threats targeting places of worship across the nation, church security is essential to protect congregations, preserve the sanctity of worship, and ensure that faith communities remain safe havens for all who gather.
Major Crimes at U.S. Places of Worship (2015 – 2025)
Nov 5 2017 – Sutherland Springs, TX (First Baptist Church)
A gunman opened fire during Sunday worship, killing 26 and injuring 22 — one of the deadliest church shootings in U.S. history.
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Sep 24 2017 – Antioch, TN (Burnette Chapel Church of Christ)
Shooter attacked parishioners after service; 1 killed, 7 injured.
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Oct 27 2018 – Pittsburgh, PA (Tree of Life Synagogue)
Antisemitic attack during Shabbat services; 11 killed, 6 wounded — the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
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Apr 27 2019 – Poway, CA (Chabad of Poway Synagogue)
Gunman opened fire during Passover service; 1 killed, 3 injured.
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Dec 29 2019 – White Settlement, TX (West Freeway Church of Christ)
Shooter opened fire during service before being stopped by armed security; 2 killed.
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Jan 15 2022 – Colleyville, TX (Congregation Beth Israel)
Armed man took four hostages during Sabbath service; standoff ended after 11 hours — no hostages killed.
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Feb 28 2022 – Sacramento, CA (The Church in Sacramento)
Shooter killed 3 children and 1 adult before taking own life during a supervised custody visit.
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May 15 2022 – Laguna Woods, CA (Geneva Presbyterian Church)
Gunman opened fire at a Taiwanese congregation luncheon; 1 killed, 5 injured.
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Jun 16 2022 – Vestavia Hills, AL (St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church)
Shooter opened fire during a church potluck; 3 members killed.
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Mar 27 2023 – Nashville, TN (The Covenant School, Presbyterian)
Attacker entered a Christian school, killing 6 (3 children, 3 staff); police killed the shooter on scene.
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Apr 2023 – Minneapolis & Bloomington, MN (Masjid Arsons)
Two mosques attacked with arson over consecutive days; no fatalities, but significant property damage; suspect federally charged.
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Aug 27 2025 – Minneapolis, MN (Annunciation Catholic Church & School)
Shooter opened fire through school windows during morning Mass; 2 children killed, 17 injured (14 students, 3 elderly adults).
Sep 28 2025 – Grand Blanc Township, MI (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Attacker rammed a truck into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze; 4 killed, 8 wounded.