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“Most Terrorists Are Terrifyingly Normal,” Says Former Intelligence Officer

In a wide-ranging interview on The James Altucher Show, former military intelligence officer and court expert on terrorism, Tom Quiggin, talked about the psychological aspects of a terrorist and other topics that have bearing, not only on national security, but which can also be adapted to help inform personal self-defense and church security.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

The big take-away of this conversation is Quiggin’s warning that terrorists (and anyone with nefarious intentions) can easily be lost in a crowd, appearing to the average person to be normal and innocent. As a self-defense reminder, it’s an ominous admonition to remain ever vigilant and situationally aware to sharpen your skill of discernment so you’re prepared to handle potential threats.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Situational Awareness: 14 Ways to Walk Like You Drive ]

Here are some highpoints of the interview:

By semperverus
Posted on 12/21/202312/29/2024

Emergency Preparedness Resource Links

Resource Links | Active Shooter Response Videos

RESOURCE LINKS

SemperVerus articles on Church Security
CEN: Christian Emergency Network website
CEN: Why are Churches “Soft Targets”?
CEN: Active Threat News
CEN: Protecting Churches from Vandalism
CEN: Protecting Your Privacy

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

CISA: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website
CISA: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Faith-Based Community website
CISA: Active Shooter Preparedness
CISA: Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities (2023)
CISA: Houses Of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool
CISA: Protecting Houses of Worship
CISA: Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide (2021)
CISA: Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide (2020)
CISA: House of Worship Security Fact Sheet
CISA: Securing Public Gatherings
CISA: Physical Location Security
CISA: Fire As A Weapon
CISA: Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello
CISA: Insider Threat Mitigation Resources and Tools
CISA: School Safety
CISA: K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite
CISA: Secure Tomorrow Series Toolkit
CISA: Stop Ransomware

By semperverus
Posted on 12/08/202303/17/2024
1 Comment on Emergency Preparedness Resource Links

DHS Outlines Steps Houses of Worship Can Take To Protect Themselves

To “mitigate the threat of targeted violence and prepare for potential incidents” against churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released Dec. 6, 2023 the PDF guide, Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities, which outlines measures “faith-based communities” can take to protect themselves from current vicious tensions.

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

This guide comes as reported hate crimes have spiked since the onset of the war between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

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

DHS emphasized in its 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment that the danger of violence from individuals radicalized in the United States will “remain high . . . marked by lone offenders or small group attacks that occur with little warning.”

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

The 16-page document examines threats and vulnerabilities to provide targeted strategies organized by the functional categories of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. It also includes a glossary of security-related words and phrases, and links to multiple resources under each category. Here are some of the guide’s recommendations:

Church Security Book Review: Defending the Flock

The US is in a heightened threat environment due to violent conflicts around the world, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Lone offenders, motivated by a range of savage ideologies, pose the most likely threat. DHS urges the American public to stay vigilant.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of Situational Awarenewss ]

Middle East expert Walid Phares says the charter of the terrorist organization Hamas calls for not only the killing of Jews and the elimination of Israel, but also for the killing of Christians worldwide. He says, “This is a jihadist movement, and it is manifesting itself in America and Canada, and in Western Europe. We have never been at this level of danger for our democratic world.”

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

Acts of targeted violence against houses of worship are a real—and potentially growing—problem in the United States, says the DHS. The best way to mitigate a potential attack is to take a holistic approach to security.

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

A necessary and excellent resource for establishing a well-rounded, comprehensive church security program is the book, Defending the Flock: A Security Guide for Church Safety Directors by veteran police officer, retired Army captain, and founder of Sheepdog Church Security (SDCS) certification curriculum, Kris Moloney.