TULSA, Okla. — In light of what happened in White Settlement Texas, church safety has become a popular topic.
Christopher Lopez, a Tulsa resident, tells us he's been going to church for the last fifteen years.
He says in the last five years he's seen a huge increase in violence against those with religion.
“It’s very alarming, the rates on Christian churches being attacked now a days. That shouldn’t come to any surprise being a Christian and being persecuted all the time. With these alarming rates, more churches, especially bigger ones that are more susceptible to targets should have more security. Just for the protection of the congregation, the worship and the families", Lopez says.
His friend Jesus Carajal agrees and says things will change if people do.
Carajal tells us, “It’s really just about loving each other, serving each other, serving god. I think ultimately when people realize that, there will be more peace in the world.”
Both believe in carrying weapons for safety, and to having security in churches for that same reason.
Another Tulsa resident, Christopher Lopez, tells us, “I would feel more safe with security just knowing that they are there to protect us in the case of a tragedy. Clearly it was someone who had bad intentions so I would feel more safe if people could openly carry concealed weapons inside of a church.”
Jim McBride works for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, he teaches classes on how to prevent active shootings inside churches.
McBride suggests locking the doors during worship, or hiring armed officers.
McBride tells us, “Churches by their very nature and design are not very secure. They have a lot of glass, entrances are very welcoming. Come in and worship with us, which is also their Achilles heel. It makes them vulnerable.”
He says it will take action to bring change.
McBride gives presentations on how to prevent different active shooting situations, click here for more information.
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