The sad reality of modern America is that institutions such as schools and churches now must ensure that they can withstand a violent attack and are no longer “soft targets.”
In Florida, a move is underway to enhance safety measures available to houses of worship. Senate Bill 52 would allow these facilities to enhance security by deploying armed volunteers to protect congregants.
It passed through the upper chamber unanimously in February.
Places of worship currently employ expensive security guards in Florida
State Sen. Don Gaetz (R) told FOX 13 that places of worship are now forced to defend themselves against those who would do them harm. Having a good guy with a gun ready to confront a threat should no longer be a luxury available only to the wealthiest worshipers.
“It’s now common for synagogues, churches, and mosques to have armed security,” Gaetz explained. “Often using paid professional licensed security personnel.”
Recent attacks highlighted the urgency to protect houses of worship
An August attack on the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota that left two dead and several wounded drove the point home for Florida officials. And, if that wasn’t enough, a Mississippi synagogue was set ablaze last month in another apparent attack on a house of worship.
FOX 13 spoke with Elvis Piggott, the pastor of Triumph Church of Tampa. The reverend noted that it is quite expensive to protect parishioners through contracted security services, but it’s also no longer optional.
“Some of these things you would have never thought in a million years would happen inside of the place of worship,” Piggott said. “It can get very costly. Just for myself at an event could be roughly $900 to $1,000 for two hours.
Worshipers know that if such an attack were to occur, an armed law enforcement response would almost certainly be minutes away.
If SB 52 clears the Florida House and is signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), it will be a boost for congregations that cannot afford to pay thousands to protect their services.
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