Securing Places of Worship Against Vehicle and Active Shooter Threats

Recent high-profile breaches underscore the critical need for religious institutions to implement layered defenses and professional risk assessments.

• By Patrick V. Fiel Sr.
• March 17, 2026

In the past 6 months, there have been two serious security breaches involving vehicles crashing and gaining access to the Places of worship and their congregations. These incidents underscore the growing need for religious organizations to reevaluate their security protocols, particularly regarding access control and emergency response procedures.

March 12, 2026: A man armed with a rifle drove a vehicle loaded with fireworks and gas cans into a synagogue in Michigan. The attacker drove through a set of doors and into a hallway where the vehicle ignited. In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue, which also houses an early childhood center.

The shooter fired shots at a security guard and then fatally shot himself before police arrived. Extensive damage was done to the synagogue. No one was injured.

September 28, 2025: The attacker rammed a pickup truck through the front doors of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan. They opened fire and set the building ablaze during a crowded Sunday service and then were fatally shot by police. Four people were killed and eight were wounded.

While churches and places of worship are committed to providing an open and welcoming atmosphere, this openness can also introduce certain security vulnerabilities.

Each congregation is distinct, presenting its own set of challenges influenced by factors such as age, size, architectural design, and geographic location. This influences the implementation of appropriate safety protocols.

As threats evolve and become more unpredictable, Places of worship need to install layered defenses and conduct regular security training for staff and volunteers. This proactive approach not only helps to protect congregants and property but also reassures the community that their safety remains a top priority.

Many religious institutions may not be adequately prepared for situations involving active threats. Assessing readiness and enhancing the safety of parishioners, visitors, and assets is a critical responsibility.

While conducting a physical assessment of the church and properties, it is important to evaluate beyond the entry points. Access controls, emergency response capabilities, communication systems and the readiness of staff and volunteers are just as vital.

This comprehensive approach helps identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited during incidents such as vehicle attacks or armed intrusions, ensuring that mitigation plans are both practical and effective.

Working with church leadership, security teams, law enforcement and security integrators or dealers is imperative. By fostering strong partnerships among these groups, places of worship can ensure that security protocols are both comprehensive and adaptable. In turn, this allows for effective coordination during emergencies and ongoing communication about emerging threats.

This collaborative approach strengthens organizational resilience, encourages the sharing of best practices, and helps maintain a welcoming environment. Simultaneously, it prioritizes the safety and well-being of all congregants and staff.

Fresh eyes from outside security experts can find potential weaknesses and gaps in current security protocols. The key is for places of worship to ask for help. By leveraging the insights and experience of security professionals, congregations can benefit from objective assessments. Specifically, they might reveal overlooked vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

Inviting external security experts to review existing measures not only enhances safety but also demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. Doing so helps with fostering trust among members and ensuring the community remains vigilant and prepared for emerging challenges.

Places of worship worldwide should exercise increased vigilance and implement enhanced security measures following the recent escalation involving the United States and Israel's military actions against Iran.

In light of heightened tensions, it is advisable to engage in proactive planning and preparedness.