Midlands churches get security briefing from NAACP, federal officials

There is no apparent threat to churches across South Carolina, even though congregations should take steps to increase safety, federal officials told an NAACP gathering Thursday.

The killings at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church last month are a “isolated event,” FBI special agent in charge David Thomas told about 75 representatives of Midlands congregations at the meeting at C.A. Johnson High School.

No other threats are known to law enforcement at this time, he said.

Maj. Chris Cowan of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department told the audience that deputies will go to any church upon request and make recommendations on safety improvements.

FBI agent Rob Chadwick said churches should reassess security even though they want to continue an open-door policy.