Articles with church security

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.

Church Security Intelligence Clipboard

Key Articles | All Church Security Articles | Interviews | Directories | De-Escalation Articles | Situational Awareness Articles | Spiritual Fitness Articles | Other Church Security Blogs | Church Security Networks | Other Resources | SemperVerus Articles By Topic | Church Security Books

Key Church Security Articles

   A Prayer for Church Security Team Members

   Church Security Book Review: Defending the Flock

   The 5 Lines of Defense in Church Security, Beginning Outside

   Church Security: Radio Communications Best Practices

   Church Security Training: Decision Decks Help You Think Through a Crisis Before It Happens

   A Simple Chart for Situational Awareness

   Make Scanning Your Priority

   Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment

US Secret Service Threat Assessment Church Case Study Links Domestic Violence with Mass Attacks

The US Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) has published, First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs: A Case Study on the Link Between Domestic Violence and Mass Attacks.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Criminals and Terrorists Overwhelmingly Select Gun-Free Zones For Mass Attacks in Public Spaces ]

The 40-page report examines the background and behavioral history of the gunman who killed 26 people, including his wife’s grandmother, and wounded an additional 22 others in the attack at the church in Texas on November 5, 2017.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Shooting Analysis Reports ]

The attacker had a long history of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual violence perpetrated against friends, family members, and others.