After Michigan Church Shooting, Sheriff Grady Judd Urges Vigilance and Preparedness Among Houses of Worship
Polk County, FL — In the aftermath of the terrifying active shooter incident at Crosspoint Community Church in Wayne, Michigan on the morning of Sunday, June 22, 2025, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is issuing a renewed and urgent call for houses of worship across the country to take proactive steps to protect their congregations.
The Sunday morning attack, which left multiple individuals injured and the gunman fatally shot by a church security volunteer, has reignited national conversations around faith-based security and the vulnerability of worship spaces. Sheriff Judd, a longtime advocate for public safety and active assailant preparedness, responded swiftly with a clear and sobering message:
“This morning’s active shooter at a church in Wayne, Michigan reminds us that all of our houses of worship must have a safety and security plan to immediately respond to an active shooter,” Judd stated. “Does your house of worship have a plan to protect and immediately stop an active shooter? If not, ask why not. We cannot afford to be unprepared.”
A Call to Action for Faith Leaders and Communities
Sheriff Judd’s message isn’t just directed at church leadership—it’s a call to action for every member of a faith community. He emphasizes that congregants must hold their institutions accountable for ensuring safety and readiness. “Members need to demand that the leadership team ensure such a plan is immediately put in place,” he said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has long recognized the unique vulnerabilities faced by faith-based organizations and has made it a mission to help mitigate those risks. For nearly eight years, the department has offered free Active Assailant Preparation training to houses of worship, non-profits, schools, and businesses. This initiative aims to educate and empower communities to act swiftly and strategically in the face of violence.
The training includes a comprehensive overview of past active assailant incidents, preparation techniques, and proven response protocols. It also provides tactical guidance on what to do when law enforcement arrives, how to coordinate with responders, and how to reduce chaos during moments of extreme danger.
“See Something, Say Something” Still Matters
In his statement, Sheriff Judd reiterated one of the most critical components of community defense—awareness and communication. “If you see something or hear something suspicious, then say something,” he said. “Talk to your house of worship leadership and security personnel. Don’t assume someone else will report it. Notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.”
Places of worship—whether churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples—are often viewed as sanctuaries, but recent years have made it tragically clear that they are not immune to violence. From the deadly 2017 mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, to more recent incidents in California, Tennessee, and now Michigan, attackers continue to target soft locations where communities gather in peace.
Preparedness is Faith in Action
Many faith communities have already begun adopting security measures: assembling volunteer safety teams, establishing communication protocols, and coordinating with local law enforcement. Some now include armed and trained individuals within their congregations, while others have implemented emergency lockdown drills, surveillance systems, and clear evacuation plans.
But for those who have not yet taken such steps, Sheriff Judd’s words are a clarion call.
“Being prepared does not mean living in fear. It means taking responsible, loving action to protect one another. Churches and all houses of worship must take steps to prepare for such scenarios—because the unfortunate reality is, it can happen anywhere.”
Getting Involved
Faith-based organizations or businesses in Polk County or surrounding areas interested in the Active Assailant Preparation training can contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 863-298-6677
The training is available at no cost and is tailored to suit the size, layout, and specific concerns of each facility.
As the nation grapples with yet another tragic reminder of the importance of preparedness, Sheriff Judd’s message rings clear: Protecting places of worship starts with planning, vigilance, and the collective responsibility of every member in the community.