FBI, GBI address houses of worship about safety

ATLANTA - Leaders and members of different congregations and faiths gathered at the Shearith Israel Synagogue to learn from law enforcement experts how to defend their houses of worship from threats.

The gathering comes on the heels of the recent massacre of 11 people inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Law enforcement from the FBI, GBI told the gathering of hundreds of people how the latest act of terror to a house of worship shows the need for every congregation to have a security plan.

"Preparation and planning is a key to surviving an extremist attack," said Vernon Keenan, director of the GBI.

Congregations are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency to meet with religious leaders, in an effort to create and revise a security plan.

Keenan also urges congregations to report all suspicious activity and threats on social media to the GBI and their local law enforcement. 

Leaders of faith across the Metro said it was time different religious groups worked together to combat terroristic threats, as police reminded the crowd that any faith group could be the next target.

Besides contacting your local law enforcement, the GBI urges anyone to report suspicious activity to 1-800-597-TIPS(8477).