The advisory council’s members met with experts, law enforcement personnel, community and government leaders, and visited several places of worship that have experienced violent attacks. Their report emphasizes that this is not the first time DHS leaders have been offered guidance for preventing violence against religious communities. DHS has held emergency-response training events for religious leaders in the wake of some attacks. Training is crucial, Goldenberg said, since those who encounter such attacks are the people praying in pews or celebrating religious holidays. The program overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a vital source of funding for religious groups looking to bolster security, the report states.

Source: Washington Post January 05, 2020 00:40 UTC