“Ten years ago, this industry was not a thing.” In the wake of mass shootings, some churches have started arming and training congregants.
where more than two dozen people were shot dead in 2017.
Today, the interdenominational church has four campuses and 3,000 worshippers on an average Sunday, Walker said. It has increased security as it has grown, asking off-duty police to carry weapons at church events. And it recently hired Riggall’s company, Sheepdog Defense Group, to train volunteers in first aid, threat assessment, de-escalation techniques, using a gun and tactical skills, such as clearing rooms during an active shooting.
The company incorporates Christian teachings into its courses and more than 90 people at 18 churches have completed the 70 hours of initial training and become state-licensed guards through its program, Riggall said. The so-called sheepdogs are insured and technically employed by the company. But they volunteer doing security at their own churches, which in turn pay Riggall.
Faulkner said his congregation re-evaluated its security after recent mass shootings and went with Riggall’s company as a cost-effective option. “This is a good balance between the cost of paying professionals and relying on untrained volunteers,” he said.After 11 worshippers were shot dead during Shabbat morning services at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, the city’s Jewish community has added layers of defenses.
And the trainings provide churches with evidence of having a security program in place if a tragedy turns into litigation. “It gives a good record for something that will hold up in court,” Youngstrom said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A Serial Wedding Crasher Is on the Loose in TexasTexas police are looking for a woman who has been showing up to weddings and pretending to be a guest, only to run off with the gifts.
Read more »
Stream Rodney Crowell’s New Album ‘Texas’ With Ringo Starr, Steve EarleVenerable Americana songwriter’s latest LP, featuring Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and more, arrives this week
Read more »
Is Beto O’Rourke Better Off in Texas?Some are calling for O’Rourke to come home and run for Senate, but his supporters aren’t amused.
Read more »
Texas governor forms domestic terrorism task force in response to El Paso shootingTexas Gov. Greg Abbott is taking action to prevent domestic terrorism in the state following a shooting at an El Paso Walmart that targeted Mexicans.
Read more »
Texas-Alabama tussle heats up over where to locate new moon programMembers of Congress from Texas are taking NASA to task over its reported plans to locate the majority of the work for the new moon program in Alabama instead of Houston
Read more »
Rodney Crowell Describes Recording New Album 'Texas' As a 'Joyous' Process“It’s a gift to be able to create.' - RodneyJCrowell Read what he had to say about recording his new album Texas.
Read more »