Overview
- The free, one-day Securing Sacred Spaces seminar at Westwood Community Church was led by Chaska-based Kingswood Security Consulting.
- More than 230 clergy and ministry leaders registered, drawing hundreds of participants from over 100 churches across the region.
- Trainer Jim Theis of Bold North Judgment walked attendees through multiple active-shooter scenarios and steps for forming church safety teams.
- Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt urged proactive reporting of suspicious behavior and highlighted the Shield Program linking law enforcement with private security.
- The gathering followed the Annunciation Church attack in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured 30 others, prompting a widespread review of security plans.