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

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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.

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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.

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