Michigan Church Incident Leads to More Efficient Security

Michigan Church Incident Leads to More Efficient Security

An incident that resulted in cancelled Sunday services leads to more effective security and advice from local police.

A recent incident at a Grand Haven, Mich. church that resulted in the cancellation of Sunday services is making church leaders and members think twice about security and ask for advice from local police. 

On the Sunday before the New Year, a 32-year-old man entered St. Patrick's-St. Anthony's Catholic Church where he destroyed a couple of televisions and a chair and attempted to attack an employee inside the building. 

The days' services were cancelled as a result of the fireworks the suspect had thrown around the perimeter of the church. Police needed to evacuate the area as Michigan State Police and explosive-sniffing K-9s checked the campus. 

"It's probably long overdue that the churches start paying attention to their security," Grand Haven Department of Public Safety Capt. Clint Holt said. "It's nothing against the churches, it's due to the circumstances in the world today."

The church does have automatic locking doors, but on the morning of the incident the doors were unlocked as employees readied themselves for the services. 

Holt advises the church to limit points of access for members and employees so security can keep a better eye on those coming and going from the building. 

"We have to take the precautions to keep out own people safe," Holt said. "The church is an attractive target for somebody who has ill intent."

This is because churches are soft targets with not many places to lock down for safety. 

Holt has conducted a number of active shooter trainings at local schools and businesses, all based on the avid/deny/defend principles. He has begun the training sessions at churches in the area as well.

"With a larger church, you have to be more trained people available," Hold said. "But, there are also more people you don't know. All this has to be taken seriously."


About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Work Anywhere, Secure Everywhere: 2025 Tech Predictions

    Five years after the pandemic, organizations need a flexible work reset to stay productive and support any work arrangement. Despite the pandemic-fueled workplace shift that began five years ago, companies across industries and geographies continue to increase flexible work configurations. However, many tools adopted during COVID onset remain in place today, and they now need a reset to keep employees productive and secure regardless of location. Security leaders must re-evaluate existing practices and reinvest in zero trust security, passwordless environments, and automation adoption to improve efficiency and productivity. Read Now

  • Guiding Principles

    Construction sites represent a unique sector of perimeter security, especially amidst a steady increase in commercial construction. As in any security environment, assessing weaknesses and threats remains paramount and modern technology, coupled with sound access control principles, are critical in addressing vulnerabilities at even the most secure construction sites around the world. Read Now

  • Empowering 911

    In the wake of the tragic murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, media coverage flooded the airwaves with images, videos and detailed timelines of the suspect’s movements. While such post-incident analysis is not new, today’s 911 centers now have access to similar data in real-time. This technological evolution marks a pivotal transformation in emergency response, transitioning from analog calls to a digital ecosystem capable of saving more lives. Read Now

  • Security Industry Embraces Mobile Credentials, Biometrics and AI, New Trends Report From HID Finds

    As organizations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, security leaders are making strategic shifts toward unified platforms and emerging technologies, according to the newly released 2025 State of Security and Identity Report from HID. The comprehensive study gathered responses from 1,800 partners, end users, and security and IT personnel worldwide, and reveals a significant transformation in how businesses are approaching security, with mobile credentials and artificial intelligence emerging as key drivers of innovation. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.