The number of deadly episodes at sanctuaries has soared over the last decade, and mass shootings at schools, malls and movie theaters have left Americans feeling like it could happen anywhere.

In October, 2017, we lowered the flag to half-mast as we prayed for the victims and families in Pittsburgh. Another shooting in a house of God. We need to be aware of our environment and prepared to react. We teach in our Church Security Insights Seminars to control your access and post a Guard. Simple techniques that can help prevent violence. Being proactive, not reactive. The shooter in Kentucky at the Kroger’s Food store first went to a nearby Baptist Church and tried to get in two side doors - they were locked! He went away. Harden your site, control your access and post a guard.

Churches establish armed security teams as shootings rise. Pastor says worshipers may be especially vulnerable because their unarmed presence on Sundays is predictable. That's why domestic confrontations often unfold inside what should literally be a sanctuary.

Worshipers attending Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral got the scare of their lives when a band of unruly protesters disrupted the event.

A man walked into the Crystal Cathedral, knelt down at the foot of a cross and fatally shot himself in the head. "The next minute, there was a pop. I thought he was praying. I didn't realize he had shot himself."

A man walked into the Crystal Cathedral, knelt down at the foot of a cross and fatally shot himself in the head. "The next minute, there was a pop. I thought he was praying. I didn't realize he had shot himself."