MINNEAPOLIS — Worshipers at synagogues, churches and mosques are all concerned about violent attacks after the 2nd shooting at an American synagogue in six months.
“It was devastating to hear it happened again,” security expert Dan Plekkenpol says.
Six months was about the time Plekkenpol started his new job as director of community security at the Jewish Community Relations Council.
“I was hired just a little bit before the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting happened,” Plekkenpol says.
He took the position after a 30-year career with the Plymouth Police Department.
"It's been a very good challenge," Plekkenpol says.
The challenge? Making sure the Jewish community feels safe in houses of worship, meeting with religious leaders across the Midwest and giving them advice on how to improve security.
"About 38 of them I've done so far for security,” Plekkenpol says.
Beth El Synagogue in Saint Louis Park was one of the religious groups that sought out Plekkenpol’s advice.
Rabbi Alexander Davis says it’s unfortunate that safety has once again become a concern among his followers.
"For the first time I've heard something that I never imagined I would hear from an American Jew. They told me they feel you have to have an escape plan," Rabbi Davis says.
Davis says the fear that’s going around in his community hasn’t led to a decline in attendance yet.
He attributes that mostly to improved security in recent months and a stronger relationship with law enforcement.
“The antisemitic acts are not going to deter us from practicing our traditions and now more than ever we need each other,” Rabbi Davis says.
Catholics are also taking a deeper look at security in the wake of the recent attacks.
"In these days I don't think you take anything for granted," security expert Michael Campion says.
Campion joined the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis security team four years ago after a decades-long career in law enforcement.
He says church leaders want more security but want to keep that calming environment of faith.
"There is a balancing act there," Campion says.
That will be the challenge moving forward, Plekkenpol says, with more religious groups turning to law enforcement to feel safe.
"It's just a shame that these specific job titles have to exist and I think other faith-based entities will just be following suit."