Key Takeaways:
- 415 acts of hostility were reported against 383 churches across 43 states in 2024.
- While slightly lower than 2023’s 485 incidents, this remains well above the 2018–2022 annual averages.
- The report was released by the Family Research Council.
More than 400 acts of hostility were recorded against churches in the United States in 2024, with a sharp rise in gun-related incidents, according to a new report released by the Family Research Council.
It documents 415 hostile acts across 43 states, impacting 383 churches.
The total was slightly lower than the 485 incidents identified in 2023 but remained well above the yearly totals from 2018 through 2022.
There are 4 major categories of attacks on church.
- Gun Violence
Gun-related incidents against churches jumped from 12 in 2023 to 28 in 2024.
For example, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a man entered Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church during a sermon and pointed a gun at the pastor before being tackled by a deacon.
And in San Francisco, California, a man fired several shots at St. Augustine Catholic Church’s main doors while people were inside.
And we reported on a woman wielding a long gun at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church hurting two people before being shot and killed by police.
- Vandalism
Vandalism was the most frequent offense, accounting for 284 cases. These included:
Smashed windows
Destroyed statues
Defaced property and theft
And more.
The damages can also be costly.
In San Diego, California, First Church of Christ reported an estimated $10,000 in damages when an intruder ransacked an office and ripped organ pipes from their fittings.
In Oklahoma, North Peoria Church of Christ lost air conditioning units in a theft that caused $100,000 in damage.
- Arson
Arson and suspected arson accounted for 55 incidents.
In Athens, Tennessee, St. Mark AME Zion Church was severely damaged after a fire destroyed its roof and interior. The suspect, who also killed church secretary Lina Buchanan before fleeing, was arrested after being identified on security footage.
- Bombs
There were 14 bomb threats, most of them hoaxes.
Forty-seven incidents fell into an “other” category, covering physical assaults and disruptions that did not match other classifications.
For example, in Louisville, Kentucky, a man broke into Zion Baptist Church and attacked a staff member with a hammer.
Action steps:
- Make sure your church is ready for any attacks during a service. (I’ll send articles on this if you’d like… email me at [email protected].)
- Pray for protection of your pastors, fellowship and church.
- Support better judges, District Attorneys and Attorneys General!