Burnet County Active Shooter Hoax: Church Security Member Arrested
On October 6, 2024, law enforcement responded to a report of a potential church shooting at the Church at the Epicenter in Burnet County, Texas. Initially, church security member Jacob Wayne Tarver claimed he had fired at two would-be shooters who fled the scene. However, after a thorough investigation, it was revealed that Tarver fabricated the entire story, leading to his arrest on several charges, including false reporting and deadly conduct.
The police response to this fabricated crisis diverted valuable resources and time that could have been spent protecting the community from real threats. Sheriff Calvin Boyd expressed frustration over the wasted efforts, labeling Tarver's actions as "a real waste of assets."
The Hero Syndrome
Tarver’s behavior aligns with what is often referred to as “hero syndrome” or a "savior complex." Individuals exhibiting this behavior may create or escalate emergency situations so they can be seen as a hero. This syndrome is dangerous, especially in roles of responsibility like church security, where clear-headed judgment and humility are essential.
But as Christians, we know that there is only one true Savior—Jesus Christ. His example reminds us that leadership and protection come through service and not self-glorification. No safety team member should ever attempt to artificially create situations to appear heroic.
Why Vetting and Background Checks Matter
This incident highlights why church security teams must take vetting and background checks seriously. When screening potential members, it is essential to identify individuals who may have ulterior motives or behavioral issues like hero syndrome. In my previous article on Vetting Church Security Teams, I emphasized the importance of a rigorous interview process and evaluating true motivations.
Similarly, background checks should be mandatory for all security team members to ensure that those tasked with safeguarding our congregations have the right mindset. One bad choice in who we select for the security team can haunt a church forever, potentially eroding trust among the congregation and damaging the church’s reputation.
Moving Forward: Avoiding Setbacks in Church Security
This incident sets us back. Many pastors are already hesitant to establish church safety teams, fearing that members might act recklessly. Unfortunately, cases like this may only serve to confirm those fears in their minds. However, these assumptions are erroneous. Most church security teams are composed of trained, disciplined, and dedicated individuals who take their responsibility seriously.
Let this be a lesson on the importance of conducting thorough vetting processes and maintaining integrity in everything we do. Our mission is to protect our church communities with humility, wisdom, and in accordance with God's guidance.
I want to know what you think about this case. Leave a comment below.
I live here in Burnet and am the Safety (In Texas we are Safety Teams and not Security Teams, State Regulations) Director at another local Church. I was a member of this church for many years (and no we did not have a safety team when i attended) and know both Jacob and the Pastor Kyle. We were made aware of this almost immediately through our local church safety teams communications. we put our church in lock down until service was over. neither our Pastor or congregation knew of anything until after the service was over. My issues here is why you proceeded with pushing out unvetted information. The local community was suspicious of this as soon as it happened as the stories coming out did not add up. Once Sheriff Boyd (who by the way is one of the best in the business) finished his investigation and announced the out come of what a lot of folks in the community already knew.
You spent several paragraphs on vetting in your update but shouldn't you have vetted the story a little bit before pushing out an alert nationwide? I know as a content creator it is import to be the person "breaking the news". Helps with the "likes".
I believe you to be a great christian man and you do a great job of keeping us informed of what is going on nationally but in the future please pump the breaks a bit.
24 hours made a big difference on this one.
Thank you, as 72 year old man, army vet, church security member who shares your podcast with our new younger security leader, currently an airline pilot. A welcoming yet vigilant, informed team is a must. I can’t run a jump anymore, but I can hurt them with my cane. A shout out to all the cane fighting trainers for seniors.