Houses of worship throughout the country are increasing security in response to deadly attacks on religious communities, using methods honed by law enforcement and protective agencies to shield their congregants from targeted violence, according to security experts.
Religious leaders have worked in recent months with specialists to install bulletproof film on windows, reinforce doors, erect fences and bollards in parking lots, and set up surveillance systems designed to detect potential threats during services. One security consultant said he had placed ballistic material in a pulpit to protect a pastor who was worried about armed threats.
Churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship are also stepping up training for members and staff on how to respond to a potential attack, recognizing that physical security is not always sufficient, experts said. Some have conducted active-shooter drills, studied de-escalation techniques, and participated in medical and firearms classes.
Synagogues and other Jewish institutions will be on elevated alert during Yom Kippur, the most important Jewish holiday, which runs through sundown Thursday.
In Manchester, England, on Thursday, police said an attacker rammed a car into people gathered at a synagogue for services and stabbed others outside, killing two. Police said they shot the attacker and believed he was dead but could not confirm that because of “suspicious items on his person.”
Last month, the Secure Community Network, one of the country’s leading Jewish security organizations, issued guidance for houses of worship that want to allow congregants to carry firearms — an expansion of previous guidance that recommended firearms be limited to off-duty or retired police.
