Protecting Faith and Learning: Preparing for Safety in Churches and Religious Schools

At Shamgar Security Solutions, our mission is clear: to help faith-based organizations and private schools maintain safe environments so their communities can worship, learn, and grow without fear. Over the past 15 years, incidents of threats, harassment, and violence have shown how important it is for institutions to be prepared before emergencies occur.

Understanding Threats in Virginia

Churches and Places of Worship

Faith communities in Virginia, like those across the country, have faced threats ranging from bomb threats to physical attacks. For example, in 2023, staff and law enforcement successfully prevented an armed attack at a church in Haymarket. Similarly, congregations have received threatening calls or faced other security challenges.

In July 2025, an incident at a Charlottesville church involved an individual causing harm to multiple attendees before being restrained by members and authorities. Thankfully, no serious injuries occurred, but the event demonstrates that safety planning is important even during routine services.

Private and Religious Schools

Faith-based schools also encounter safety challenges, from harassment and bullying to security threats that disrupt learning. For example, a Northern Virginia private school experienced anti-Semitic bullying affecting students and staff. While these incidents did not escalate to physical violence, they highlight the need for vigilance, training, and clear response protocols to protect students and the school community.

These examples underline the importance of proactive planning, trained personnel, and practical safety measures.

A Broader Perspective

Virginia’s experiences reflect nationwide trends:

Houses of Worship

Faith communities across the U.S. have been targets of violence, harassment, and intimidation, including high-profile attacks like those in Charleston (2015) and Pittsburgh (2018). Bomb threats, vandalism, and other disruptive events are increasingly reported by federal agencies.

Religious and Private Schools

The 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville underscores that even small, faith-based schools are not immune to danger. Threats, harassment, and hoaxes can disrupt education and create trauma for students, staff, and families.

While no community can guarantee complete safety, careful planning and training can significantly reduce risks and improve preparedness.

How Shamgar Can Help

At Shamgar Security Solutions, we provide practical, tailored solutions to help faith-based organizations and schools enhance safety:

• Security Assessments: We evaluate facilities, procedures, and potential risks, either in person or virtually, and provide actionable recommendations.

• Training and Drills: Staff and volunteers learn how to respond effectively during emergencies and how to proactively deter threats.

• Emergency Preparedness: We help organizations develop evacuation plans, communication protocols, and medical response procedures such as CPR and Stop-the-Bleed.

• Tailored Solutions: Every church and school is unique. We ensure security strategies fit your culture while prioritizing safety.

Safety is not just about preventing attacks, it’s about creating confidence in your community so members can worship or learn without unnecessary fear. While no strategy can eliminate risk entirely, professional planning, training, and proactive measures can greatly enhance preparedness and response.

Shamgar Security Solutions is committed to helping organizations prepare, protect, and respond so their mission can continue safely.

Learn more about our services: Shamgar Security Solutions