Photo: iStockphoto
The attack on a Mormon congregation in Michigan has raised questions about how we can best ensure that our churches here in Texas are protected from potential violent attacks. The good news is, this isn't the first time Texas has asked this question.
The issue was actually addressed by the state legislature back in 2017. Chris McNutt with Texas Gun Rights explained that thanks to legislative action, Texas churches can take strong action to keep their attendees safe.
He explained that a bill championed by then-state Representative Matt Rinaldi "let churches organize volunteer church security teams, so that law-abiding congregants would be able to carry and be their own first line of defense."
McNutt went on to say that since the law was passed, we've seen it save lives. He pointed to a 2019 case when a potential mass shooter opened fire during a church service outside of Dallas, and said, "A volunteer team member, their congregant, Jack Wilson, actually stopped the gunman in seconds."
At the time of that shooting, there were well over 200 people inside the church, and while two lives were tragically lost, that armed congregant's quick actions are credited with saving dozens more. Jack Wilson was later awarded a Medal of Courage by Governor Abbott.
McNutt says this is a clear indicator that the most effective way for churchgoers and leaders inside the church to keep themselves and others safe is to make sure they're armed and trained to deal effectively with threats that might arise in the midst of even a church service.