News and Investigations

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is urging houses of worship to be alert for suspicious activity, and prepare for potential threats by anyone who wants to harm worshippers.

The words of caution follow an attack on Crosspoint Community Church in Wayne, Michigan on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025.

“This morning’s active shooter at a church in Wayne, Michigan reminds us that all of our houses of worship must have a safety and security plan to immediately respond to an active shooter.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

“Does your house of worship have a plan to protect and immediately stop an active shooter?” Members must ask this question to the leadership team. If the answer is no, ask why not? Members need to demand that the leadership team ensure such a plan is immediately put in place. House of Worship leadership must take actions to keep congregations safe.

In response to shootings at several other churches in recent years, many houses of worship have facilitated plans and have become staffed with individuals who are trained to counter an active-shooter.

An active shooter can happen anywhere, and churches, synagogues, and mosques need to take steps to prepare for such a scenario.

We urge congregants: If you see something, or hear something suspicious, then say something. Talk to house of worship leadership and security and notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.

For about eight years now, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has offered free Active Assailant Preparation training to houses of worship and other organizations. This training provides an overview of active assailant incidents, and best practices about how to prepare for, and respond to an active assailant at your house of worship or business, including tactics and strategies of what to do when law enforcement arrives.

For more information about the Active Assailant Preparation training, call the PCSO Training Center at 863-534-7200.