In a recent turn of events that underscored the ongoing threat of radicalization and the critical importance of church safety teams, the FBI thwarted a potential attack on churches in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. This incident, involving a young man named Alexander Mercurio, has shed light on the evolving landscape of domestic security threats and the indispensable role of well-prepared safety teams in maintaining the sanctity and security of places of worship.
Keith, thanks for what you do ant the Intel updates…
Recently joined a church, no AED and no security team. I’ve offered to stand up both medical and security aspects (I did both in a previous life). They basically tried to run me out in return….
Seems those who declare the most faith and virtue are the most fearful. The proper response to fear (fear that life is uncertain and God’s house may be visited by evil) is to square off on that fear and devise a plan of action. Training & proper action override fear.
Actually…I can’t…. Parole officer won’t approve that🤷♂️ (Just kidding).
For now I’m supposed to be there…. And it was only a couple people. But the lesson learned here is that even in a small rural church, the sickness/ evil that is abundant still affects them. What I speak of is the erosion of faith and the independence and spirit that faith brings us…and we know the rest- just look outside and watch.
How was he discovered as a genuine threat? Can they hold him on conspiracy and uttering threats? Sounds like a narcissistic confused punk with access to weapons. Needs to have his ass kicked with
Thanks Keith, for what you do. I have subscribed to your weekly newsletter and watch you every chance I get on U-tube. I am a former Deputy Sheriff from Northern CA. and recently joined the Security Team at my church. Our membership are older members of our church but we train regularly and are developing a solid security regimen. I again thank you for your site and the input you share with us.
A well prepared and trained team is essential. Retired LE and active LE who attend same church services MUST be vigilant to protect the congregation and NOT hurt each other if chaos becomes real. A well laid out plan and training is essential. In todays environment it’s Not IF, it’s WHEN something big will occur in our churches and places of worship. Stay vigilant people. Practice active shooter drills and understand the capabilities of your security team and remember some people on your security team might have NO LE or military training whatsoever. This too can be problematic.
Thank you for all your help and support. We all must be aware and awake. I am on the Emergency Response and Safety Team in my church. So important in these times to not only promote Christian outreach but to maintain safety of the flock. Catherine P
It's unfortunate but I have seen many churches take the position of the proverbial "ostrich with its head in the sand" many times. It either comes down to a willful ignorance that bad things could potentially happen, or the church has adopted a pacifistic mindset. In cases like these they usually don't see the value in a safety team until after an incident has occurred.
Unfortunately most churches especially small churches are not prepared psychologically to accept a serious safety team. I am a 33 year retired first responder that was providing that service to my church, but resigned after nearly two years. I received 3 complaints in those two years of being too aggressive from a couple of volunteer teachers that were not complying with church policies i.e. leaving children unattended in class rooms and not respecting church authority when it came to class room disciplines. Because I encountered them with these breeches of church policy they felt uncomfortable and complained to church leadership. The church backed up the teachers and put me on probation.
Keith, thanks for what you do ant the Intel updates…
Recently joined a church, no AED and no security team. I’ve offered to stand up both medical and security aspects (I did both in a previous life). They basically tried to run me out in return….
Seems those who declare the most faith and virtue are the most fearful. The proper response to fear (fear that life is uncertain and God’s house may be visited by evil) is to square off on that fear and devise a plan of action. Training & proper action override fear.
Find a new church sir.
Actually…I can’t…. Parole officer won’t approve that🤷♂️ (Just kidding).
For now I’m supposed to be there…. And it was only a couple people. But the lesson learned here is that even in a small rural church, the sickness/ evil that is abundant still affects them. What I speak of is the erosion of faith and the independence and spirit that faith brings us…and we know the rest- just look outside and watch.
How was he discovered as a genuine threat? Can they hold him on conspiracy and uttering threats? Sounds like a narcissistic confused punk with access to weapons. Needs to have his ass kicked with
jail time. No mercy.
Keep up the great work, we use your weekly emails for our Safety team. Very much appreciated.
V/r in Christ Jesus
Thanks Keith, for what you do. I have subscribed to your weekly newsletter and watch you every chance I get on U-tube. I am a former Deputy Sheriff from Northern CA. and recently joined the Security Team at my church. Our membership are older members of our church but we train regularly and are developing a solid security regimen. I again thank you for your site and the input you share with us.
Thank you, Keith. You’re the best intel provider I’ve found ❤️
We are the “sheep dogs”. Eyes and ears, smiles and the hands and feet of Jesus. Stay vigilant brothers and sisters.🙏🙌✝️
A well prepared and trained team is essential. Retired LE and active LE who attend same church services MUST be vigilant to protect the congregation and NOT hurt each other if chaos becomes real. A well laid out plan and training is essential. In todays environment it’s Not IF, it’s WHEN something big will occur in our churches and places of worship. Stay vigilant people. Practice active shooter drills and understand the capabilities of your security team and remember some people on your security team might have NO LE or military training whatsoever. This too can be problematic.
Thank you for all your help and support. We all must be aware and awake. I am on the Emergency Response and Safety Team in my church. So important in these times to not only promote Christian outreach but to maintain safety of the flock. Catherine P
It's unfortunate but I have seen many churches take the position of the proverbial "ostrich with its head in the sand" many times. It either comes down to a willful ignorance that bad things could potentially happen, or the church has adopted a pacifistic mindset. In cases like these they usually don't see the value in a safety team until after an incident has occurred.
Unfortunately most churches especially small churches are not prepared psychologically to accept a serious safety team. I am a 33 year retired first responder that was providing that service to my church, but resigned after nearly two years. I received 3 complaints in those two years of being too aggressive from a couple of volunteer teachers that were not complying with church policies i.e. leaving children unattended in class rooms and not respecting church authority when it came to class room disciplines. Because I encountered them with these breeches of church policy they felt uncomfortable and complained to church leadership. The church backed up the teachers and put me on probation.
Keith,
Good stuff your putting out, keep it up.
Matt
Really too close to home. Just cross the border in Medical Lake WA near Spokane WA.
Thank you for all that you do. God bless you brother
Yikes, I live over in Libby Montana, this type of craziness is getting close to home.