On at least two instances this year, individuals were witnessed taking video footage around the campus of St. Francis de Sales and within the church, raising concerns about the motive and potential security risks.
Shortly after noon on Sunday, March 29, a parishioner observed two people, a man wearing a keffiyeh and a woman wearing a hijab, outside the main entrance to St. Francis de Sales Church near the corner of Beach 129th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd. The man appeared to be surreptitiously videoing the exterior of the church with a cell phone. A few minutes, later this couple entered the church during Palm Sunday services and walked to the back of the center aisle. They stayed two minutes, possibly getting more video, and then left.
The second video incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 30. A different St. Francis parishioner saw a woman in a hijab who appeared to be taking a video around the perimeter of St. Francis De Sales’ main campus, including the rectory driveway and Parish House on Beach 130th Street.
“The first incident seemed odd. The second one was worrisome. Given all that is happening in the world and that the anniversary of September 11 is coming soon, it made sense to alert the police,” Father Jim Cunningham said.
On Monday, August 10, Father Cunningham hosted a meeting between key parish leaders, including Monsignor John Bracken and Anne Marie Greene, the Director of Religious Education, and the 100th Precinct, which was represented by Captain Sachi Singh and three members of his Community Affairs team. The videotaping incidents were discussed at length as well as the current security assets around the church and school. Both the school and the church have external cameras. This equipment was refurbished in recent days. Video was shared with the NYPD.
Captain Singh agreed that it was a concern and alerted the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau. The 100th Precinct will also be present at the parish’s September 11 remembrances and will send a patrol car to all Sunday Masses in the coming weeks. In addition, St. Francis, in coordination with the Diocesan Task Force on Security and Safety, will consider ways to enhance security in and around the campus. Father Cunningham also spoke with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Every agency has been responsive to St. Francis’ concerns.
Several ideas to enhance security are under consideration, including some recommended by neighbors in the Far Rockaway Orthodox Jewish community. Given the ongoing antisemitism in the world and in New York City, this community has extensive experience protecting its houses of worship, schools and congregants.
There is no specific threat to St. Francis de Sales. The motives of the people making the videos are unknown. Father Cunningham let parishioners know about the incidents at some Masses over the weekend. He has asked people to be aware of any videotaping around the St. Francis de Sales campus and to alert the police immediately, and then the parish. “If you see something suspicious, call 911 right away,” Captain Singh said. “Don’t wait days or weeks. Call at the time. We’ll figure out if something suspicious is going on.”
