In the early hours of January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, a tragic incident unfolded on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. A 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas drove a rented Ford F-150 truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers, resulting in 15 fatalities, including the assailant, and injuring at least 35 others. The attacker, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), was killed in a shootout with police at the scene. An ISIS flag was found in the truck, indicating a potential motive linked to extremist ideologies.
The assailant maneuvered around police barricades and a patrol vehicle before accelerating into the densely packed crowd along a three-block stretch between Canal and Conti streets. After crashing into an aerial work platform, he exited the vehicle and began firing an assault rifle, leading to an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers. Two officers were wounded before the attacker was fatally shot. Authorities later discovered improvised explosive devices in his vehicle and at his residence, suggesting a well-planned act of terror.
This horrific event has raised concerns among U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies about potential copycat attacks, given the relative ease with which vehicles can be used as weapons. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and National Counterterrorism Center have issued bulletins highlighting the need for increased vigilance in public spaces.
Historical Context of Vehicle-Based Attacks
The concept of using vehicles as weapons in terrorist attacks is not new. Over a decade ago, Al-Qaeda’s propaganda magazine Inspire advocated for “low-cost, high-impact” attacks, specifically suggesting vehicles as a means to target civilians. The simplicity of these attacks requiring no specialized equipment or training, which has made them a preferred tactic for lone offenders and organized groups alike. These warnings were an ominous sign of the method’s potential, which has since been realized in various parts of the world.
Vehicle Attacks Worldwide
Globally, there has been a disturbing rise in vehicle-based attacks targeting civilians. In Germany, for instance, a recent incident at a Christmas market involved a vehicle ramming into pedestrians, resulting in multiple casualties. Similarly, the 2017 attack in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a car was driven into a crowd during a protest, exemplifies the domestic manifestation of this threat. These cases underscore the need for heightened security measures in public spaces.
The Relevance to House of Worship Safety
Houses of worship are unique in their open and welcoming nature, making them particularly vulnerable to such attacks. Events like outdoor services, summer picnics, and holiday gatherings often attract large crowds, creating potential targets. It is crucial to consider that most church-related crimes initiate in parking areas, which often lack adequate security measures. Furthermore, many churches lack standoff measures, leaving them exposed to this growing threat.
What Are Standoff Measures?
Standoff measures are physical security features designed to prevent unauthorized vehicles from approaching too closely to buildings or crowded areas. These measures serve as a buffer, ensuring that even if a vehicle is used as a weapon, its impact is significantly reduced. Examples include barriers such as bollards, planters, and reinforced fencing, which are strategically placed to limit vehicle access without impeding pedestrian movement.
In the absence of standoff measures, the risk of catastrophic damage and mass casualties increases significantly. Vehicle-based attacks can exploit open spaces to accelerate and cause maximum harm. Additionally, without these protective features, churches may inadvertently make themselves easy targets for attackers who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in public spaces. Standoff measures not only protect lives but also create a visual deterrent, signaling that security is a priority. Industry standards recommend barriers capable of stopping vehicles traveling at high speeds. These include:
- Crash-Rated Bollards: Designed to stop vehicles weighing up to 15,000 pounds traveling at 50 mph.
- Planters and Walls: Reinforced with steel or concrete to absorb impact while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Retractable Barriers: Automated or manually operated posts that can be raised or lowered to control vehicle access during specific times.
- Fencing: High-security fencing with reinforced posts to withstand vehicular impact.
Adhering to these standards ensures that barriers provide the intended level of protection while integrating seamlessly with the environment.
Recommendations for Standoff Measures
To mitigate the risk of vehicle-based attacks, churches can implement several practical measures:
- Decorative Bollards and Planters: Installing concrete barriers disguised as planters or bollards can effectively prevent vehicles from approaching too closely while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Restricting Vehicle Access: Designate specific drop-off and parking areas that are strategically distanced from main entrances and congregational spaces. Use sturdy barriers to block unauthorized access.
- Permanent Barriers: For larger churches or those hosting regular outdoor events, permanent barriers like reinforced fencing or retractable posts can provide long-term protection.
- Enhanced Parking Lot Security: Deploy security personnel or volunteers to monitor parking areas during events. Use surveillance cameras to deter and detect suspicious activity.
It is essential to emphasize that these measures go beyond simple traffic cones, which offer minimal protection. Churches must invest in robust solutions tailored to their specific needs and risks.
The rising threat of vehicle-based attacks necessitates a shift in how churches approach security. Beyond securing the sanctuary, it is vital to address vulnerabilities in outdoor spaces and parking areas where congregants gather. By implementing effective standoff measures and fostering a culture of preparedness, churches can better safeguard their communities against these evolving threats. The time to act is now, proactive measures can make the difference between vulnerability and safety in moments of crisis.
About the author
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 Accelerator Podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com.
