Church Security Lessons from the Minneapolis Shooting

Aug 29

Why Faith-Based Organizations Must Balance Openness with Preparedness

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, parishioners, and community impacted by the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. No parent should lose a child in a sacred space. At BHS Tactics & Consulting, we honor their grief while offering professional insights to help protect other congregations.

What Happened in Minneapolis

On August 27, 2025, during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, a former student opened fire from outside the sanctuary.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed.
Nearly twenty parishioners, including students and elderly attendees, were injured.
The attacker used multiple legally purchased firearms, barricaded exits, and fired through stained-glass windows.
Investigators later found anti-Catholic writings, leading authorities to treat this as domestic terrorism and a possible hate crime.

The entire attack lasted only minutes, but its impact will echo for generations.

Why Churches Are Increasingly Targeted

Faith-based organizations are not only centers of worship but also symbols in larger cultural debates. From ideological hate crimes to politically charged violence, churches are increasingly vulnerable.

This reality demands that faith communities acknowledge risks and prepare accordingly.

Security Insights for Faith-Based Organizations

At BHS, we approach every analysis with one goal: to help you protect, prepare, and prevail. Here are four key lessons from the Minneapolis tragedy:

1. Physical Vulnerabilities

Stained-glass and large exterior windows can become weak points.
Barricaded exits highlighted how quickly attackers can trap victims.
Solutions: Shatter-resistant film, reinforced doors, and controlled entry systems.

2. Emergency Preparedness

Police arrived quickly, but seconds matter in active shooter events.
Congregations need lockdown drills, evacuation routes, and rehearsed emergency plans.

3. Motive Awareness

This attack appears ideologically motivated.
Security planning must consider hate-based threats alongside general risks.

4. Building Community Resilience

Strong ties with law enforcement and local responders save lives.
Staff and volunteer training in situational awareness and psychological first aid builds confidence and resilience.

Quick Wins for Every Church

🛡️ 3 Immediate Steps You Can Take Today
Walk Your Building – Identify vulnerable windows, doors, and entry points.
Review Emergency Plans – Ensure your congregation knows what to do in a lockdown or evacuation.
Build a Safety Team – Appoint volunteers or staff to take lead roles in security readiness.

How BHS Tactics & Consulting Can Help

We specialize in practical, layered security solutions for churches, schools, and community organizations. Our services include:

On-Site Risk Assessments – Customized for your facility and congregation.
Emergency Action Plans – Clear, usable playbooks for real-world crises.
Training Programs – Active threat response, de-escalation, and volunteer team readiness.
Community Partnerships – Bridging the gap between congregations and first responders.

Final Thoughts

The Minneapolis tragedy reminds us that prayer and hope must be paired with preparation and action. Faith communities should never lose their openness or mission — but neither should they remain unprotected.

Together, we can ensure that sacred spaces remain safe sanctuaries.

Protect • Prepare • Prevail

joseph renshaw