HASLET, Texas (AP) – A niche industry is training congregants to protect their churches with the techniques and equipment of law enforcement as the fear of a potential mass shootings grips the country.
The latest mass shootings occurred at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas and a downtown bar in Dayton, Ohio.
The attacks occurred over the course of one weekend and claimed the lives of at least 31 people and wounded dozens more
While those are not churches, the impact of the tragedy is still felt among the religious community, which haven’t been immune to such attacks.
On November 5, 2017, a gunman walked into the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church and killed 26 people and wounded 20 others.
This grim reality has prompted some churches to start protecting themselves with guns.
Not all security experts support the approach, but it has gained momentum among congregations.
Texas police officer David Riggall said more than 90 people at 18 churches have completed the training and become state-licensed guards through his company.
He said Sheepdog Defense Group insures and technically employs the guards.
However they volunteer doing security at their own churches, which in turn pay Riggall.
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