VI – Self-Defense – Page 8

Captive Nations Week 2025

President Donald Trump proclaims July 20–26, 2025, Captive Nations Week. He calls upon “all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to supporting those around the world striving for liberty, justice, and the rule of law.”

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Global Persecution of Christians Surges in 2024 ]

In his proclamation, President Trump says, “This Captive Nations Week, I offer my heartfelt support to every person living under a totalitarian regime, and I reaffirm my commitment to advancing a new era of peace where freedom is cherished, sovereignty is respected, and every nation can live without fear of tyranny or oppression.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION ]

“In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive Nations Week to counter the emerging threat of communism and declare America’s resolve to defend the fundamental rights of free speech, religious liberty, and self-government. As President, I continue that work today, as far too often, oppressive regimes still silence dissent and persecute their own citizens for practicing their faith.

By semperverus
Posted on 07/20/202511/21/2025

Stopped: Armed Man Threatening Mass Shooting in a Naples, Florida Church

A 23-year-old man walked into a Naples, Florida church Sunday, July 6, 2025, during the final moments of the morning worship service. Two church employees observed his erratic behavior and strange statements. He claimed to be a “trained killer,” asked how much money it would take to stop a mass shooting, and appeared to have a handgun in his waistband.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

While one staff member attempted to de-escalate the situation and call 911, another discreetly moved children to safety. When deputies arrived and disarmed him, they discovered he had a loaded handgun, a round in the chamber, and three fully loaded magazines containing 60 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Church Active Shooter Prevention Saves Lives in Wayne, MI

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, a heavily armed gunman opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, during a morning service. Thanks to effective Church Active Shooter Prevention measures—including the quick actions of a trained security team and a brave parishioner—a large-scale mass shooting was stopped before it could unfold.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Book Review: Defending the Flock ]

Kris P. Moloney, founder of Sheepdog Church Security (SDCS) certification curriculum, writes about the lessons learned in his after action incident report.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Shooting Analysis Reports ]

“In summary,” he writes, “the Wayne church shooting incident ended with the intended victims unharmed, aside from one injured security guard, thanks to the brave and prompt reaction of church members. The suspect was armed for a massacre, but he was stopped before he could reach the 150 men, women, and children inside. Police and community leaders have hailed this outcome as ‘the best possible outcome in a worst-case scenario,’ while also acknowledging the trauma it inflicted. The incident is now prompting other communities to examine their own security plans, and investigators continue working to understand what led to the suspect’s deadly actions. Wayne’s CrossPointe Community Church, though scarred by the event, has emerged as an example of preparedness and courage under fire, illustrating both the challenges and the hope in Church active shooter prevention going forward.”

Read the lessons learned as presented by Kris on The Sheepdog Sentinel.