houses of worship
Coverage of houses of worship in the Nexus archive.
- Queens man charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at 2 houses of worship
A Queens man, Yogesh Sayrange, was arrested and charged with arson after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at two houses of worship in Queens and a Brooklyn business. Authorities linked the incidents to a firebombing spree.
- Man arrested after Molotov cocktails tossed at 2 Queens religious buildings, police say
A 36-year-old man was arrested after police reported he threw Molotov cocktails at two houses of worship in Queens. The incident occurred in the borough of Queens, and the suspect is currently in custody.
- New Florida law allows trained volunteers to carry guns at houses of worship
A new Florida law allows houses of worship to authorize trained volunteers to carry firearms for security. Supporters argue it enhances safety for smaller congregations unable to afford professional security, while critics express concerns about introducing guns into religious spaces. Volunteers must be legally permitted to carry firearms, undergo training, and be members of the congregation.
- ‘Unprecedented’: Federal court blocks Nassau County protest buffer zone bill over free speech concerns in legislation’s first judicial test
A federal court blocked Nassau County’s buffer zone bill, which prohibited protests within 100 feet of houses of worship, citing First Amendment concerns. The court’s preliminary ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Sanket Bulsara, emphasized the law’s overly broad restrictions on free speech and its potential to block protest on public streets, while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman criticized the decision and vowed to continue defending the law.
- New York State passes buffer zone bill to protect houses of worship
New York State has passed a buffer zone bill establishing 50-foot protected areas around religious sites. Leading Jewish groups have praised the law, which follows a series of protests outside New York City synagogues.
- Religious leaders, lawmakers push for $1 billion to secure houses of worship
Religious leaders and lawmakers are advocating for a $1 billion funding increase for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to enhance security at houses of worship. In 2024, approximately 33% of applicants received funding from the program.