Pastor Murdered, Multiple Drive by Shootings of Churches and More This Week
This has been a violent week at churches in the US and abroad
I’ve changed up the look for this edition. I’ve segregated stories by type of crime. Please let me know what you think of the new look. Does it help or not? Take the poll at the end of the newsletter to let me know.
Table of Contents
Violent Crimes
Florida Pastor Fatally Stabbed at His Church
Idaho Teen Charged with Planning Terror Attack on Church
Vancouver Man Arrested After Church Shootings and Police Chase
Accidental Shooting at West Charlotte Church Injures Teen
Teen Charged in Violent Attack Near Queens Church
Methamphetamine Dealing Arrest Outside Evansville Church
Sex Crimes
Former Chesapeake Teacher Charged with Child Sex Crimes
Property Crimes
Series of Auto Burglaries at Wright County Churches During Services
Juveniles Arrested for Vandalism at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Kentucky
Trailer Containing Spiritual Retreat Supplies Stolen from Toledo Church
Suspect Sought in Independence Church Burglary
Series of Burglaries Hits Manchester, Including at First Congregational Church
Teen Arrested for Church-Related Burglaries in Assumption Parish
5 Burglaries Since January at Beacon of Hope Church, Minneapolis
Story Updates (Past Crimes in the News)
Continued Detention for 2019 Salmon Arm Church Shooter
International Crimes
Tragic Easter Massacre in Nigeria
Over 700 Baptized in Nigeria Amid Rising Attacks on Christians
Catholic Priest Shot During Church Service in Myanmar
Intensified Persecution of Ukrainian Christian Groups by Russian Forces
Christian Killed in Uganda for Leading People to Christ
Violent Crimes
Florida Pastor Fatally Stabbed at His Church
Antwane Lenoir, a 41-year-old pastor known affectionately as "Pastor A.D." to his community in Opa-locka, Florida, was tragically stabbed to death at Westview Baptist Church, where he served. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, as confirmed by local police. The alleged assailant, 44-year-old James Dawkins, who had been temporarily housed at the church, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following an altercation that reportedly began over changing the locks at the church premises. Pastor Lenoir, celebrated for his selflessness and leadership, leaves behind a wife and four children.
When we let the homeless stay in our churches, it elevates our risk. Today’s homeless population is plagued by mental illness and drug addiction. The drugs that they are using are nothing like we’ve seen in the past. Methamphetamine can’t even be called meth anymore. Meth in today’s world causes schizophrenic episodes in 38% of users. I would never ask you to not minister to the homeless, I will ask you, though, to maintain extreme vigilance when dealing with them.
Idaho Teen Charged with Planning Terror Attack on Church
In Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 18-year-old Alexander Scott Mercurio has been charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group, following his arrest for plotting a terror attack on a local church. Scheduled to attack on a Sunday, Mercurio planned to incapacitate his father to steal his guns and car to carry out the assault, which would involve a metal pipe, butane fuel, a machete, and potentially firearms. The FBI intervened after Mercurio expressed a desire for martyrdom and dissatisfaction with his life in recorded and written communications with FBI informants posing as Islamic State supporters. Captured before he could execute his plan, Mercurio faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, with his trial set for May 28, 2024.
I’ve been giving constantly about this very issue. Here, we have a young man that is disturbed that decided to listen to ISIS’s call to harm American churches. Many churches still don’t have a security team. Our biggest threat are lone wolves, including our own children at church that decide to listen to this evil and become an insider threat. You need a church safety team and you need to watch for the signs of someone wanting to target you. Stay tuned here, I am putting out information almost weekly just on this issue. Watch my video above. After every debrief, I go over what you can do at your church to avoid these attacks.
Vancouver Man Arrested After Church Shootings and Police Chase
Aleksey Suturin, a 23-year-old from Vancouver, was arrested following a series of drive-by shootings targeting churches and a high-speed chase on Interstate 5. Early Tuesday morning, Clark County deputies responded to reports of gunfire at local churches including the Adventist Community Church and Kessid Columbia Church, where bullet casings and damage were observed. Suturin, who was armed and wearing body armor, fled in a Toyota Highlander, leading to a pursuit by deputies. The chase ended with spike strips disabling the vehicle on I-5, where Suturin was apprehended. He faces multiple charges including shooting from a moving vehicle and malicious mischief. The incident did not result in any injuries but left significant damage to church properties.
Watch my video, above, to see my breakdown of this incident and things you should think about. This happened at 1 AM. I have no doubt he was getting courage to do something similar during the daytime to harm people. Watch what I have to say about things you should be thinking about to protect your church.
Accidental Shooting at West Charlotte Church Injures Teen
A teenage girl was injured in an accidental shooting during a church service at Greater Hedges and Highway Evangelical Church in West Charlotte, as reported on April 8, 2024. The incident occurred when a 14-year-old attendee brought a gun to the service, which discharged and struck a 17-year-old girl in the leg. Fortunately, the injuries sustained are non-life-threatening, and the injured teen is expected to recover. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating the situation but has preliminarily deemed it an accident. The 14-year-old has been charged with possession of a firearm by a minor.
I think the biggest gun threat at my church is a concealed carrier accidentally shooting himself due to poor equipment and a lack of training. I’ve seen people with horrible holsters, guns like 1911’s with the safeties disengaged and more reckless behavior. Put this type of an incident in your reality based training lineup.
Teen Charged in Violent Attack Near Queens Church
In a distressing incident on April 7, 2024, a 16-year-old was arrested and charged with the brutal attack and robbery of a 68-year-old woman heading to Sunday Mass at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood, Queens. The assault was caught on a security camera, showing the teen violently throwing the woman from the church steps, causing her to land on her head and rendering her motionless. The suspect then stole her purse and car. The victim sustained a serious skull fracture and is currently hospitalized in critical condition but showing hopeful signs of recovery.
It’s paramount to always maintain situational awareness. Thugs like this are always looking for an easy mark and there is no easier mark than an elderly woman on her way to church. He is clearly dressed to commit a crime if you watch the video. For church security teams, always maintain a presence outside the door. Everyone wants to be inside where it is warm and you have company. However, all trouble has to get through your door and no better way to stop it than being out front.
Methamphetamine Dealing Arrest Outside Evansville Church
In Evansville, Indiana, 37-year-old Montez Clements was arrested for allegedly dealing methamphetamine outside The Gathering Church on Walnut Street. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday when police were alerted to drug activities involving several individuals who had "set up shop" in the church's parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered Clements under a makeshift tent constructed with tarps and shopping carts and found him in possession of a glass pipe and multiple baggies of meth, totaling about 13 grams. Clements has been charged with dealing methamphetamine and is currently held in Vanderburgh County Jail with a $10,000 bond.
I mentioned methamphetamine and psychosis in another story here. I plan on doing a video on how to deal with people experiencing methamphetamine psychosis. Stay tuned to the newsletter for the class to drop.
Sex Crimes
Former Chesapeake Teacher Charged with Child Sex Crimes
Daniel Brian Fleming, a 31-year-old former private school teacher and local church youth ministry participant in Chesapeake, has been charged with child sex crimes, including possession of child pornography and using communications systems to facilitate sexual offenses involving children. Fleming was arrested following a tip received by the Chesapeake Police in January 2024, leading to charges for his actions reportedly committed on January 1, 2024. He is currently held without bond as investigations continue. The specifics of the private school and church involved have not been disclosed by authorities. The Chesapeake Police Department has urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This should not even happen in our community, but predators know that we and our children are easy pickings because of our welcoming nature. I’ve written extensively on how to root these people out. Use the search function at the top of the web page to find my articles on this.
Property Crimes
Series of Auto Burglaries at Wright County Churches During Services
A series of auto burglaries has recently plagued churchgoers in Wright County, with several incidents reported during Sunday services. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the burglaries, which primarily occurred at Quarry Church and other churches in Buffalo Township on April 7, 2024. In these incidents, thieves shattered car windows and stole personal items from the vehicles while the owners attended church services. At least 13 victims have been reported, and a silver Nissan Murano has been linked to the crime through surveillance footage. Despite several leads, no arrests have been made.
This happens everywhere. The thieves know you are tied up for at least an hour and have free reign in your parking lot. You can avoid this by placing someone watching the door outside to monitor the door and the parking lot. Your congregants cars are ripe for the picking.
Juveniles Arrested for Vandalism at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Kentucky
On April 11, 2024, two juveniles were arrested for causing significant damage at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church and its associated cemetery in Payneville, Meade County, Kentucky. The Sheriff's department, led by Sheriff Phillip Wimpee, responded to a vandalism report at the church located on Rhodelia Road. Security footage captured the juveniles discharging fire extinguishers inside the church, damaging religious artifacts, overturning a cross on the altar, and spreading holy oil on the floor, which necessitated costly carpet replacements. The estimated damage to the church and parish hall exceeds $10,000. Additionally, the cemetery across from the church also suffered from desecrated headstones. The juveniles face charges including Burglary in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree and are currently held at a juvenile center. The church remains closed for repairs, directing parishioners to nearby St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi for services.
Do you have a burglar/fire alarm at your church? Why not? Do you have a 4K video system? Why not? How many of these do you need to read before your church is a victim? This is my passive/aggressive post to you that still don’t have all fo this 😉
Trailer Containing Spiritual Retreat Supplies Stolen from Toledo Church
A trailer with essential supplies for a spiritual retreat was stolen from Epiphany Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio, significantly impacting the church community. The theft, reported on April 10, 2024, by parishioner Scott Koenig, involved a 7 x 14 box trailer marked with "Good News Krystal" and adorned with a large cross. The trailer housed 55 cots, numerous banners, and a notably crafted 6-foot wooden cross, essential for the church’s biannual retreats held in Toledo and St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Our trailers are stolen often. There are many anti theft devices you can use to prevent your trailer from being stolen. They are cheaper than replacing your trailer.
Suspect Sought in Independence Church Burglary
In Independence, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is on the lookout for a suspect involved in the burglary of Faith Temple Church. The incident occurred on April 8, 2024, when deputies responded to a burglary alarm around 5:30 p.m. and discovered a forced entry at the church's rear door. Security footage revealed the suspect using a pry bar to break in and fleeing in a maroon SUV, believed to be a Jeep Compass, upon the alarm's activation.
Series of Burglaries Hits Manchester, Including at First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church of Manchester was recently targeted in a string of burglaries that hit the area. Late Tuesday night, burglars broke into the church, damaging property and stealing a safe along with construction equipment. This incident followed three other burglaries reported within the last week in Manchester, affecting businesses and vehicles alike. The church suffered a precisely cut glass window and a ransacked office. Tools worth over $450 were also stolen from the construction site at the church.
Teen Arrested for Church-Related Burglaries in Assumption Parish
A 13-year-old boy from Gonzales was arrested in connection with two burglaries at a building affiliated with St. Philomena Catholic Church in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. The incidents occurred on April 1 and April 4 at a thrift shop housed within a former church school opposite the church on Convent Street in Labadieville. The second burglary involved the theft of sports jerseys valued over $1,000. Authorities have recovered some of the stolen items and charged the youth with two counts of simple burglary. He was later released to his parents' custody.
5 Burglaries Since January at Beacon of Hope Church, Minneapolis
Beacon of Hope Church in North Minneapolis has suffered five burglaries since the beginning of 2024, despite being a sanctuary to four churches and three organizations. The continuous incidents began a few months ago, with the most recent break-in occurring just hours before a typical Saturday service. Freedom Missionary Baptist Church's Pastor Michael Strong reported the theft of $6,000 worth of equipment during the first incident. The burglars, who have been captured on newly installed surveillance cameras, have stolen food, sanitary items, and additional equipment. In response, the church has enhanced security measures, including installing more cameras and boarding up windows, costing over $15,000.
You need a burglar alarm, enhance your points of entry and a 4k video system.
Story Updates (Past Crimes in the News)
Continued Detention for 2019 Salmon Arm Church Shooter
Matrix Savage Paladin Gathergood, who carried out a fatal shooting at the Salmon Arm Church of Christ in April 2019, will remain in psychiatric custody without privileges for unescorted outings, as decided by the BC Review Board (BCRB) on January 22, 2024. Gathergood, diagnosed with schizophrenia and a cannabis use disorder, was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder after he killed church leader Gordon Parmenter and wounded another member. Since his commitment, Gathergood has resisted certain treatments like clozapine and maintains delusions about the "New World Order" and masonic conspiracies, which he claims could endanger his life. Despite participating in 54 escorted outings without incident, the BCRB cited his volatile mental state and potential danger to the public as reasons for denying more freedom.
International Crimes
Tragic Easter Massacre in Nigeria
On Easter Monday, April 1, 2024, suspected Fulani militants carried out a devastating attack in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 10 Christians, including a pregnant woman whose unborn baby was also killed. This atrocity occurred across three communities within St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and is part of a continuous pattern of violence in the region, often linked to religious and ethnic tensions. Father Andrew Dewan of Pankshin Diocese reported that the attacks included horrifying acts such as slitting open the pregnant woman’s stomach.
Over 700 Baptized in Nigeria Amid Rising Attacks on Christians
Despite the increasing violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, the Catholic Diocese of Katsina witnessed a profound expression of faith this Easter. Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa reported that over 700 individuals were baptized during the Easter celebrations, marking a significant event for the newly established diocese, created by Pope Francis in October 2023. The baptisms took place against a backdrop of escalating insecurity challenges, where attacks on Christians are frequent and often brutal, particularly by suspected Fulani militants.
Catholic Priest Shot During Church Service in Myanmar
On April 7, 2024, a Catholic priest, Paul Hkwi Shane Aung, was gravely injured after being shot three times by two masked gunmen during a sermon at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mohnyin township, Kachin state, northern Myanmar. The attackers, who wore black caps and masks, fired upon entering the church and approached the priest as he preached, shooting him in the jaw, hand, and thigh. The seriously injured priest was subsequently transported to Myitkyina for emergency treatment. This violent incident is part of a disturbing trend of attacks on Christian clergy in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup, highlighting the increasing dangers they face from unidentified gunmen and junta troops amid ongoing political unrest.
We should be watching these international stories. The same types of crimes occur in the US and these people are coming across our wide open border. When they cross the border, they don’t change their evil ways. Here, having security at the door and a person assigned to cover the pastor is your best bet at defeating a gunman.
Intensified Persecution of Ukrainian Christian Groups by Russian Forces
In occupied Ukraine, particularly in the city of Melitopol, Russian forces have escalated their crackdown on Ukrainian Christian groups, targeting evangelical and Protestant churches heavily. Since the occupation began in March 2022, these religious communities have faced severe restrictions and violent suppression. Russian authorities have shut down places of worship, arrested pastors, and harassed congregants, branding non-Orthodox Christian faiths as undesirable. Many believers have been forced to flee and now conduct services in secret to avoid persecution. The Russian government, alongside the Russian Orthodox Church, continues to enforce a religious hegemony that starkly contrasts with the region's diverse Christian landscape, leading to significant human rights violations against the Ukrainian Christian population.
Read the full story on PBS NewsHour
Christian Killed in Uganda for Leading People to Christ
In a tragic incident in Nakitiku village, Sironko District, Uganda, 45-year-old Christian Kiisa Masolo was murdered for his evangelical activities among the Muslim community. Masolo was abducted from his home on March 8 by men dressed in Islamic attire, following his return from street preaching in nearby areas. His body, discovered in a bush with severe head and neck injuries, was accompanied by a note in Arabic condemning his efforts to convert Muslims to Christianity. This incident underscores the rising religious tensions in Uganda, where the Christian majority faces increasing threats despite constitutional freedoms of religion.
Thank you for putting this information together every week, and for what you are doing to help train Christians everywhere to be safe and ready. I pray for your health and safety. I have one request, would it be possible that when you list a crime in some city that you could also put the state?
Who are these clowns? We need to be wise as serpents too