US issues security guidelines for faith-based organisations

On Wednesday, the US government released safety recommendations for religious communities, responding to a heightened terrorism threat level that led the FBI director to express concern about “blinking lights everywhere”.

Recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security include creating a security strategy, assigning security responsibilities to an individual or a group, conducting risk assessments, collaborating with the local community, and recognising accessible resources.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Wednesday that the DHS is collaborating with the FBI and other agencies to disseminate information to the private sector and the public. This includes guidance on measures that can be taken to reduce threats, he explained.