A 36-year-old Rhode Island man has pleaded guilty to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer after intentionally setting multiple fires outside a predominantly Black church in Rhode Island last year.

Hours before the fire, the pastor of Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence saw a man on the church’s Ring security camera attempting to break in. When he spoke through the intercom, the man tore the camera down and walked away. Later that night, he returned with gasoline and set multiple fires. Authorities arrived quickly, extinguishing the flames and taking him into custody, but the fire damage forced the church to close for repairs.

Church Arson Aftermath

During an authorized search of the man’s home, authorities found notebooks filled with violent writings detailing plans to burn churches and attack congregants. One entry read, “The age of false churches target side operation. Eliminate Rich Snob global Elite Pastors, burn churches down to ground, when congregants move to next church, do the same.” Another entry called for violence against non-white groups while promoting extremist beliefs.

The guilty plea comes in the face of overwhelming evidence of intent. In addition, while in custody, the man threw a mug filled with bodily waste at two federal officers. This legal process, which has played out over the past year is now nearing its conclusion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2025.

What This Means for Houses of Worship

The truth is, most faith leaders have a lot on their plates. You’re balancing services, guidance, community events, and keeping your doors open. Protection might not be at the top of your list, but attacks like this happen, and they don’t all come with a warning.

The suspect had a plan. -It was flawed, but deliberate. He scouted the church and returned with the intent to destroy it. Thanks to a quick-thinking pastor and fast police response, a worse outcome was avoided. But not every house of worship is that fortunate. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples, no matter how welcoming, peaceful, or small, can be targeted.

And here’s the thing: law enforcement did their job, but even the best police response can only do so much after the fact and, in a case like this, fires can get out of hand very quickly. Having measures in place can deter attackers before they even consider your house of worship a target. It’s about making it harder for bad actors to succeed by having a plan and understanding your vulnerabilities.

Finding time to go over security might not feel urgent, until it is. A few small steps now can prevent something devastating later. Here’s what you can do to lower the risk of an attack like this.

5 Ways to Protect Your House of Worship From Arson

Secure Entry Points
- Lock doors when the building isn’t in use.
- Use security film on windows to make break-ins harder.
Use Cameras Effectively
- Install cameras focused on entrances.
- Have alarms and cameras monitored.
Develop a Relationship with Local Law Enforcement.
- Request regular patrols during services and events.
- Build a direct line of communication with your local precinct.
Remove Fire Hazards
- Keep trash, wood, and other flammable materials away from the building.
- Lock up flammables like gasoline, cleaning chemicals, and anything that could be used as an accelerant.
Train Your Team to Spot Suspicious Behavior
- Teach staff and volunteers how to recognize potential threats.
- Have a plan in place for reporting concerns.
- Encourage a culture of awareness without fear.

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples should be places of peace, not easy targets. These facilities deserve the smartest, most effective, and well-planned protection possible: something that can make all the difference in preventing attacks and keeping houses of worship safe.

For more tips, strategies, and real-world analysis, follow us. And if your house of worship wants to take the next step in improving security, we’re here to help – contact us.

About TAL Global

TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic plans, and delivering engaging training programs.

With decades of experience and successful interventions, we have consistently protected people and assets. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for tips and strategies. You can also Talk To Us for more custom-made, expert solutions.