Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith-Based Communities Subcommittee Membership List

In light of recent attacks against synagogues, churches, temples and mosques, the Secretary of Homeland Security has tasked the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) stand up a subcommittee that is focused on the security of faith-based organizations across the country.  In response to the Secretary’s request, the HSAC has formed the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Targeted Violence Against Faith-Based Communities.  Houses of worship and faith-based nonprofit organizations dedicate resources to local communities and often serve as the social and moral beacons people rely on in times of trouble. The right to practice our respective religions free of interference or fear is one of our nation's most fundamental and indelible rights. Therefore, the targeting of houses of worship by violent extremists of any ideology is particularly abhorrent and must be prevented. The HSAC Subcommittee will provide findings and recommendations that will assist DHS in identifying additional lines of effort needed, validating the Department's prevention framework that is under development, and examining whether the Department's capabilities need to be adjusted to account for the threat posed by domestic violent extremists in order to keep houses of worship safe, secure, and resilient.