Last Wednesday night about 50 Stuart community members from different church groups and other organizations gathered for an informational session on preventing future mass shootings. In light of the Sutherland Springs, Texas shooting earlier this month, Stuart Police Chief David Reha and First Congregational Church Pastor Fritz Trost thought it would be beneficial to host this event.

Reha presented on the commonalities of mass shootings and simple techniques to increase odds of survival during a hypothetical attack. According to Reha, the two most common types of shooters in Church related incidents are either church members, or those involved in domestic violence disputes with connections to the church. Reha encouraged the crowd to be vigilant and look for warning signs from unstable members or connected individuals. The Chief also recommended that churches consider the addition of security teams.

Reha emphasized churches take serious preventative measures in case of a possible attack. “As a church group, you need to have that mentality that we’re not untouchable. There will be people that want to see harm come to us and we have to prepare for that and we have to be ready for it.”

Reha also touched on the heroes in the most high profile mass shootings, and how in his mind, they are underrepresented. “Everyone of these people saved countless lives and that’s because they did something. They didn’t run and hide under their desks. They didn’t try to save themselves. These are the people the media should talk about when the shootings happen. These are the stories that we should hear.”

Reha hopes to one day train the entire town of Stuart to be prepared in case of a mass shooting event.