Intelligence That Protects
The Growing Challenge
Catholic churches and institutions across the U.S. have faced a significant increase in targeted incidents since 2020 — including vandalism, arson, disruptive protests, bomb threats, and online incitement.
563
Over 560 documented attacks on Catholic churches since May 2020
415
In 2024 alone, there were 415 hostile acts against churches nationwide
1,384
Hostility against churches - 100+ Catholic churches in 2024 alone
383
Not isolated - 383 different Churches across 43 states
National Hostility Threats
National Hostility Threats
Thomas Craig - Intelligence Mission
The Thomas Craig Intelligence Network is a non-governmental, faith-based threat intelligence and community defense network. We exist to protect Catholic churches, other Christian congregations, schools, community centers, and individuals from anti-Christian threats, violence, harassment, and terrorism. We work as a trusted partner with law enforcement (including fusion centers) while remaining independent and rooted in faith. Our goal is not to replace police, but to give churches and communities the early warning they need to stay safe.
Proactive Intelligence
Most churches today rely on cameras, locks, and “wait-and-see” security. We believe that is not enough. We function as an offensive intelligence operation adapted for a defensive mission:
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We monitor open sources, social media, the dark web, news reports, and law enforcement feeds across Wisconsin and Illinois.
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We look for warning signs: online hate speech, planned protests at churches, suspicious individuals, emerging plots, or people fixating on faith communities.
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We analyze this information and turn it into actionable alerts that we send directly to churches, dioceses, federations, and members.
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We operate a faith-based Community Watch Program: neighbors and local businesses watch out for churches, and churches watch out for the neighborhood. Our Community Relations team builds these relationships.
In short: We see threats before they reach your doorstep.
Why This Matters: From Reactive to Proactive
Too often, faith communities only react after something happens.
Easter Sunday, 2026, Gesu Chruch,,Milwaukee, WI — An ax-wielding man broke into the Church on Easter day. He claimed to be “God” and carried multiple weapons. Early intelligence on his online activity or patterns could have allowed preparation or prevention.
January 18, 2026, Cities Church, St. Paul, Minnesota – Anti-ICE protesters entered the church during a Sunday worship service, chanting slogans, blocking aisles, and confronting pastors and congregants. Prior monitoring of social media and activist networks could have identified the planned protest days in advance, allowing the church to increase security, adjust service plans before disruption occurred.
August 2025, Annunciation Catholic Church & School, Minneapolis — A shooter fired dozens of rounds through church windows during an all-school Mass, killing two children and injuring many others. It was later investigated as a possible anti-Catholic hate crime. Proactive monitoring of the shooter’s history and writings might have provided critical warning
July 2025, McKinney Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, Marion, IL – Arson and vandalism caused over $300,000 in damage. Two men were arrested and faced felony charges. This was a targeted attack on a Baptist church.
June 28, 2026, Wesley Memorial Church, NC — A North Carolina man armed with a gun, crossbows, two flamethrowers, over 500 rounds of ammunition, rolls of black duct tape, three knives, oxycodone pills and a carbon dioxide-powered launcher designed to resemble a handgun and 500 rounds of ammunition, was arrested. Court documents allege that he had a notebook with addresses of churches, schools and public buildings, GPS coordinates, body armor, radios with police scanners, handcuff keys as well as an enlarged map of North Carolina.
These are not isolated stories! Many incidents begin with online signals, repeated harassment, or individuals showing warning signs.
We help you move from hoping nothing happens to knowing what’s coming — so you can increase vigilance, adjust security, or involve law enforcement early.
How We Help Your Parish or School
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Timely Alerts — Specific, actionable intelligence delivered to your leadership.
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Community Watch Network — Our Community Relations team builds these relationships and connects everyone in a simple, mutual protection network — turning everyday awareness into shared safety for the whole neighborhood.
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Partnership, Not Panic — We respect the welcoming nature of churches while helping you protect the flock.
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Focus on WI & IL — Deep local coverage where you need it most.