Federal officials warn Boston churches to increase security after wave of arson attacks
Caroline MolloyThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is advising religious institutions in the Boston area to increase security measures on their premises in the wake of a string of local arson attacks against religious institutions, according to NBC Boston.
As CatholicVote previously reported, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin, Massachusetts, sustained extensive damage from the October 23 blaze that began in the sacristy. The fire was ruled to be arson.
Terry Donilon, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston, told CatholicVote in an emailed statement, “As one of our parishes recently suffered from an incident of arson, we are naturally concerned for our parishes and all houses of worship.”
“While we continuously provide safety and security guidance to our parishes,” he added, “we have, as a result of that incident and the ATF advisory, encouraged our parishes to be even more vigilant as it relates to safety and security.”
The ATF is recommending that institutions increase their security systems and lighting on-site, and to strictly regulate access to premises, “especially during off-hours or when unmonitored,” according to NBC Boston.
The ATF also advises institutions to stay in contact with local law officials “and explore options for regular patrols in the area,” NBC Boston reported.
