ST. PETERS, Mo. - In response to last week's tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis, a St. Louis-area gun store is offering free security training to local congregations.

The shooting, carried out by a 23-year-old gunman during a morning mass, has heightened fears within faith communities nationwide. 

In St. Peters, a tactical gear shop is providing an “Armed Usher Training Program” to churches that request it, aiming to prepare them for potential threats.

“Instead of responding and having to be reactive, be proactive,” said Alex Milberg. “Be able to sense things. Notice certain behavioral patterns, issues or potential threats before they even happen.”

The training program offered by the St. Louis-area gun store includes security assessments, threat evaluations, medical aid and hands-on training designed to equip ushers and staff for worst-case scenarios. 

The duration of the training can range from three to eight hours, depending on the specific needs of each congregation.

Statistics indicate a growing number of hostile incidents at U.S. churches. According to the Family Research Council, there have been nearly 1,400 such incidents since 2018, with a significant increase from 98 in 2021 to nearly 500 in 2023.

“Big one I’ve potentially worried about is people trying to access child care areas because of custody disputes and stuff like that. That’s a point where people will try to lure a child out or access the kids,” Milberg said.

While the training is offered at no cost, churches must obtain written approval from their leadership before participating. Organizers report receiving multiple inquiries from local congregations, some of which have already faced threats.

The store is requesting for those to contact the business at 636-244-3424 in regard to signing up.