On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during an evening Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Washington, Rev. David Gaines was violently attacked in front of his congregation. The unprovoked assault on sacred ground, a place meant for peace and worship, serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive church security. While such violent incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of preparedness.
A Review of the Attack: Who, What, Where, When, and Why
Rev. David Gaines, a 65-year-old priest, was conducting the second night of a novena when the attack took place. It was February 4, around 5:45 p.m., when Joshua James Sommers, age 40, suddenly left his pew, rushed the altar, and attempted to punch the priest in the face. The incident occurred at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Washington. The attacker let out screams as Rev. Gaines tried to calm him, repeatedly saying, “It’s OK, just calm down.” Staff and congregants quickly intervened to help subdue the attacker. Law enforcement officials later revealed that Sommers had a history of violence, including a prior assault at a mental health facility in 2023. The rapid response from Spokane police led to the attacker’s immediate arrest, and no one was harmed in the incident.
Churches have long been considered safe havens, with a historical perception of being sanctuaries where individuals could seek refuge and worship in peace. However, in today’s world, that assumption can lead to vulnerabilities, as societal changes and increased mental health challenges have shifted the landscape of safety. As we reflect on the Spokane incident, here are some key lessons that churches can draw to enhance their safety and security.
Maintain a Culture of Situational Awareness
The first line of defense in any safety plan is security awareness. Church staff, volunteers, and congregants need training on how to recognize unusual behavior or potential threats. In the case of Rev. Gaines, the attacker displayed erratic behavior before approaching the altar. Training teams to identify and respond to such behaviors early can help prevent escalation.
Implement Access Control Measures
While churches aim to be open and welcoming, controlled access points are essential to balance hospitality with safety. This can include security technologies like keycard systems, visitor management tools, and electronic access control systems that provide real-time monitoring and control. Limiting entry during services, using trained greeters to monitor entrances, and installing video surveillance systems can deter potential threats.
Train Volunteers for Emergency Situations
Volunteers often serve as the eyes and ears of a congregation. To recruit and retain reliable volunteers for security roles, churches should consider clear role descriptions, ongoing training programs, and recognition efforts to maintain engagement and commitment. Regular training in conflict de-escalation, medical response, and evacuation procedures is essential. Scenario-based drills help volunteers respond calmly and effectively during high-stress situations.
Develop a Mental Health Response Plan
Many incidents of church violence involve individuals experiencing mental health crises. Collaborate with local mental health professionals to train staff on recognizing crisis indicators and responding compassionately and safely. De-escalation training can prepare teams to engage individuals in distress without escalating the situation.
A Call to Action
The attack at Our Lady of Lourdes serves as a sobering reminder that even sacred spaces are not immune to violence. However, by adopting proactive security measures, churches can protect their congregations while maintaining a welcoming environment. Security isn’t about instilling fear—it’s about fostering peace through preparedness.
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Simon Osamoh serves as the editor of Worship Security and is nationally recognized for his work in safeguarding houses of worship. He began his career in England, spending 14 years as a detective specializing in serious and organized crime before leading Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Simon founded Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, providing security solutions to houses of worship and nonprofits. He is the author of two Amazon bestselling books and the host of the Church Security Talk Podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com
