By suzanne downing 
With the Oct. 7 anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel approaching, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to step up security around places of worship across the state.
The order comes amid a nationwide rise in violent incidents targeting people and institutions of faith. Working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, DPS will deploy extra resources to churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations.
“Places of worship are sacred,” Abbott said. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
The security initiative will involve Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Criminal Investigations Division special agents, and Texas Rangers, supported by DPS’ Homeland Security Division. Their mission will be to identify threats and prevent potential attacks before they occur.
Attacks on churches, including shootings, arsons, stabbings, and assaults, have surged globally and in the US, with reports documenting over 415 incidents in the US alone in 2024.
This month, a mass shooting during a worship service at a Mormon church in Michigan ended with four dead and eight injured. The church was also destroyed by arson.
In August, a mass shooting was committed by a person identifying as transgender during school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Multiple casualties were reported.
In July, there were multiple attacks including destruction of statues (beheading and toppling) at St. Leo Parish in Hartford, Ark.
In June, CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Mich. was the target of an attempted mass shooting; gunman Brian Browning entered with intent to harm worshippers but was stopped by security before firing.
In April, Zimnako Salah was convicted of hate crime for bomb threats targeting churches; threats involved explosives and evacuation.
The list goes on this year of violence and vandalism against churches and religion-based schools in America.
Suzanne Downing