Protecting Places of Worship From Violent Extremists

The tragic shooting at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina, was a stark reminder that, despite strides toward a more perfect union, hate crimes and domestic terrorism persist in America.

Whether the motive is white supremacy, religious bias, anti-government views or even mental illness, we all need to protect ourselves from individuals who engage in violent extremism. That’s why the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other partners are convening an interfaith summit to address security for places of worship.

The summit will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium at Wayne State University Law School. Speakers will include representatives from various faith communities, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Detroit and Dearborn Police Departments, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service and the Anti-Defamation League.

Places of worship often define themselves by being open and welcoming to all people, but we want to make sure that faith communities have the information they need to keep everyone who walks through their doors as safe as possible.

The summit will provide faith leaders with information that will help them develop security programs and emergency action plans, deter threats, share information and address risks, such as active shooter situations. Hate crime trends and prosecutions will also be discussed.

Leaders from all faith-based communities are encouraged to attend. For more information and/or to reserve a seat at the summit, please contact Robert Poikey, Law Enforcement Coordinator, U.S. Attorney’s Office at (313) 226-9120 or email at robert.poikey@usdoj.gov.

Barbara L. McQuade
United States Attorney
Eastern District of Michigan