Former College Football Player Arrested After Violent Church Threats + Security Checklist For Houses of Worship

A former college football player was arrested after deputies responded to a report of violent church threats and found a shotgun, machetes, baseball bats, ski masks, and ammunition inside his vehicle. The incident followed a series of social media posts threatening a St. Augustine church, where he warned of a “purge” and wrote, “It would be a good night to skip Bible study.”

Law enforcement acted quickly. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office identified the threats and located the suspect in his vehicle. The weapons found in his possession suggested serious intent. Anchor Faith Church had already placed its school on lockdown before his arrest, ensuring the safety of those on site. The suspect was then booked into the county jail on charges of written threats to kill, a felony, and disrupting a school function.

This incident is one of many where churches have faced violent threats. Should every online threat be treated as a serious danger? And if so, what does that look like in practice? More importantly, how can churches, and other houses of worship, strengthen security without compromising their mission of being an open and inviting refuge?

Threats to Houses of Worship

The rise of social media has made making threats easier, but more complex than ever before. They say talk is cheap, but the consequences of ignoring the wrong threat can be deadly. Some are empty words. Others are open promises. The challenge is determining which is which.

Not every online threat leads to violence, but many violent incidents begin that way. There is a track record of major attacks being foreshadowed on social media. However, responding to these threats comes with challenges: balancing time and resources while avoiding the trap of paranoia or hypervigilance.

Every threat must be considered credible until proven otherwise. The cost of ignoring the wrong one is too high.

How Can Churches Protect Themselves?

Some key steps you can take to strengthen your house of worship:

• Monitor Online Social Media Activity – Keeping an eye on social media can help detect early warning signs. If serious threats surface, law enforcement should be contacted.
• Conduct Background Checks & Due Diligence – Vetting employees and volunteers is standard practice, but churches should also take note of individuals making concerning statements online.
• Train Staff & Volunteers – Every team member should know what to do in a crisis. Regular training on workplace violence and crisis response can save lives.
• Establish a Threat Response Plan – Having clear protocols for lockdowns, evacuations, and communication with external resources and law enforcement ensures faster, more effective action.
• Control Access Points – Churches should assess entry points and consider measures like controlled access, greeters trained in situational awareness, and locked doors during non-service hours.
• Leverage Security Technology – Countermeasures like surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and emergency panic buttons can help shorten crucial response times.
• Coordinate with Law Enforcement – Developing relationships with local police ensures that when threats emerge, authorities are already familiar with the location and its risks.
• Conduct Facility Security Assessments – Working with security professionals can help identify vulnerabilities and create customized protection strategies.
• Hire Trained Security Personnel – In some cases, having a professional security presence is the best deterrent against potential threats.

In today's world, threats to institutions have evolved, and it’s up to religious organizations to adjust and strengthen their response.

Every Action Counts

No house of worship wants to think of itself as a target, but recent events have proven that threats, whether online or in person, can’t be ignored. Preparation and alertness save lives.

Every step taken to improve awareness and preparation adds another layer of protection. Even small actions can make the difference between prevention and tragedy.

At TAL Global, we specialize in helping houses of worship stay safe while staying open. Security doesn’t have to come at the cost of community; it just has to be planned the right way.

Follow us for more strategies, industry updates, and expert insights. And if your place of worship wants to assess its security posture, we’re always ready to talk. Let’s work together to ensure your congregation stays protected while keeping your doors open to those who need them most.

About TAL Global

TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic plans, and delivering engaging training programs.

With decades of experience and successful interventions, we have consistently protected people and assets. Follow us here and on YouTube for tips and strategies. You can also Talk To Us for more custom-made, expert solutions.

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