Residents mixed on extra security at houses of worship after Texas shooting

<p>Parishioners in Mount Vernon are mixed about extra security at their houses of worship following the mass shooting at a church in Texas Sunday.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 7, 2017, 12:09 AM

Updated 2,354 days ago

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Parishioners in Mount Vernon are mixed about extra security at their houses of worship following the mass shooting at a church in Texas Sunday.
A gunman with a history of domestic violence opened fire inside a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, killing 26 people. Officials say a 1-year-old girl was among the dead.
Bunny Branch, a longtime congregant of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, says she believes houses of worship should implement more security measures.
"I think they need to search everybody...sorry...that's the way it is," she says.
But Shanel Sturdivant says security in a sanctuary is the last thing she wants to see.
"It would keep me away,” she says.

Mount Vernon officials say they are in constant contact with clergy of all faiths, placing houses of worship on a list requiring special police attention. Many other municipalities, like Yonkers and White Plains, have implemented the same measures as a safety precaution.


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