Throughout history, religious establishments have been a target for violence and destruction. History is known to repeat itself, and nothing has changed in the 21st century as America has witnessed 649 deaths, from 1999 to 2013, due to an armed intruder in places of worship. Places of worship are often thought of as a sanctuary for the helpless and the many; this combination makes churches seem vulnerable and allows armed intruders to maximize casualties and satiate their delusional goal of chaos.
June 22, 1980 ushered in a different and more deadly form of violence at the First Baptist Church in Daingerfield, Texas. During Sunday morning service, a lone gunman shot fifteen members of the congregation, killing a seven-year-old girl, an adult woman, and three adult men. This mass shooting took place in less than sixty seconds. Religious organizations now faced a threat that was seemingly impossible to combat.
Since the tragic events in Daingerfield, Texas, it is estimated that more than thirty people die due to church shootings every single year. Shootings since the 1980’s have involved disgruntled church members, those involved in domestic disputes, gang members, mentally unstable individuals, terrorists, and thieves. These facts speak to the truth that deadly shootings can happen to anyone, anywhere. MWTC Training has been providing places of worship with the knowledge and training necessary to survive an active shooter.
Educate, Train, and Prepare Your Place of Worship with the Help of MWTC Training
MWTC Training ensures that your place of worship is equipped with security strategies that will prepare staff and clergy for the invasion of an active shooter.
Here is some video footage of an Active Shooter training scenario at a church service during praise and worship session. The shooter is quickly neutralized by the church members who have received training in concepts and techniques provided by MWTC.