Churches Face Hundreds of Attacks in 2024, Report Finds

A new report reveals that 383 churches in the United States experienced 415 attacks in 2024, marking a decrease from the 2023 high of 485 incidents but still surpassing previous years. The report, released by the Family Research Council, highlights a concerning trend of vandalism, arson, and other malicious acts targeting places of worship.
Travis Weber, vice president of policy and government affairs at the Family Research Council, noted that the sheer number of incidents exposes a troubling reality. "The fact that we have hundreds of attacks on churches in 2024 is very revealing," he said. "It challenges the notion that the U.S. is a safe and tolerant society that protects religious freedom."
The report identified 284 acts of vandalism, 55 cases of arson or fire, 28 gun-related attacks, and 47 other incidents, including physical assaults and threats. Some attacks caused significant financial damage, such as a $100,000 repair bill for a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a vandal destroyed five air conditioning units.
States with the highest number of attacks included California (40), Pennsylvania (29), New York (25), Florida (25), and Texas (23). Meanwhile, several low-population states, such as Hawaii and Idaho, reported no incidents.
While many attacks remain unexplained, the report linked some to anti-LGBTQ+ and pro-abortion sentiments. Anti-LGBTQ+ incidents decreased slightly from 42 in 2023 to 33 in 2024, while pro-abortion attacks dropped from 59 in 2022 to two in 2024. Weber emphasized the need for dialogue and truth, urging opponents of Christian teachings to address their disagreements constructively rather than resorting to violence.
The report also criticized the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for its role in stoking division by labeling conservative Christian groups as "hate groups." Weber argued that such characterizations contribute to a polarized environment, increasing the risk of attacks on churches.
Despite the challenges, Weber expressed hope that the church attacks would prompt a broader societal reflection on religious freedom and the importance of peaceful dialogue.

Published: 8/11/2025