Guidance for Houses of Worship During COVID-19 Social Distancing Limitations

John Bareswill of Catawba, NC, has been arrested by the FBI for making an arson threat against a predominantly African American Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. It's alleged that Bareswill told listeners on the anonymous telephone call to "shut up" and then threatened to burn the church after stating a racial slur. Agents traced the call to Bareswill's mobile phone which was seized. Information from the phone indicated he had conducted internet searches on three predominately African American churches including the one he called. The call came several days after one of the church's leaders participated in a prayer vigil for George Floyd. Bareswill faces ten years of federal incarceration.

Security has been boosted around synagogues and other Jewish facilities in New Orleans, LA after Nazi graffiti was sprayed at the Gates of Prayer Synagogue cemetery. Swastikas were painted outside of the cemetery and a Star of David was crossed out. Currently no arrests have been made.

Authorities allege Carl Perkins broke into the New Home Baptist Church in Woodstock, GA. Once inside he scrolled anti-religious and racial messages across several walls. He also destroyed several pictures and pieces of furniture. Perkins has been charged burglary and vandalism of a place of worship.

Police in Harnett County, NC are tying to identify whomever vandalized the Johnsonville Church of God in Cameron, NC. The suspect(s) painted homophobic, Nazi and racist graffiti on the walls.

Vandals, claiming to be the "Baby Meat Gang" sprayed black paint on a semi trailer, an outbuilding, church signs and the church building at the Ignited Ministries church in Demotte, IL. The vandals spray painted obscenities, upside down crosses, "666" and "BLM. Two solar lights used to project light onto sign were also spray painted. Police are investigating the incidents.

We have received numerous inquiries about the policies of our Police Department. In an effort to become a closer and more unified Anne Arundel County we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. We welcome the opportunity to continue to be transparent and build bonds with our community.

I would welcome the opportunity to talk with your church family and discuss congregation safety and security. Working together we can come up with suggestions and ideas to better protect you from different threats, both man-made and natural.