Amid Growing Violence, More Churches Turn to Faith-Based Security Groups

‘We absolutely are seeing more animosity towards faith-based organizations,’ the founder of one company says.

A police officer stands guard outside Emanuel AME Church after a shooting took place, in Charleston, S.C., on June 20, 2015. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Premium Reports

Amid Growing Violence, More Churches Turn to Faith-Based Security Groups

‘We absolutely are seeing more animosity towards faith-based organizations,’ the founder of one company says.

Save

By Allan Stein

September 21, 2024Updated:September 24, 2024

Carl Chinn, 65, is a man of deep faith who thought church was a place to go to find peace—until he locked eyes with an angry gunman 28 years ago.

On May 2, 1996, a man carrying a rifle and a handgun and claiming to have explosives walked into the Focus on the Family ministry in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and took four hostages.

We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.

More Premium Reports

This Maine School Swapped Detention for Hikes. We Visited to See If It Works.

Real Beards, All Heart: What It Takes to Be a Santa Claus

Nigeria’s Christians Are Caught in a Tide of Jihadi Violence

How the Child Vaccine Schedule Could Change Under Trump’s Directive

As Gold Prices Rise, a New Scam Is Targeting Retirees

CDC Advisers Turn Focus to Aluminum in Vaccines

‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Author Warns of Communism in Financial Institutions

They Escaped Cuba, Now They Welcome Florida’s Move to Warn American Kids

Suspensions Down, Violence Up: How Obama-Era Policy Fuels School Discipline Crisis

I Report on the MAHA Movement. When I Put It to the Test I Lost 65 Pounds.