Authorities in Florida arrested a man accused of making violent online threats toward churches, raising renewed concern about the growing wave of hostility targeting Christian institutions in America. The arrest comes as faith communities continue to mourn tragedies like the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, where a gunman targeted a Christian elementary school, killing six people.
According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office affidavit, Michael Iaboni, 32, was taken into custody after a tip was sent to Crime Stoppers. Investigators said Iaboni had posted alarming videos on social media after being fired from his job, expressing violent intent toward places of worship.
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As reported by Fox News, Iaboni posted and later deleted a video on Nov. 4 in which he said, “I got fired and I’m fired up.” Authorities said he went on to make threats such as, “It’s all kill shot,” while mimicking holding a rifle and making gunfire sounds. In another video, he allegedly stated, “Christ Fellowship is on my list to hit also,” and added, “My end game is taking you out… It’s the ones that no longer fear death. I expect death to come fast and very violent.”
Investigators said he made another threatening post on Nov. 7, writing that it was “gonna look like a genocide.” The report also noted that Iaboni lived about 1.5 miles from Christ Fellowship, and had recently signed up for a church event on Nov. 2. Church staff told police they had seen him “frequenting the church recently.” He is currently charged with written threats to kill or do bodily harm and is being held on a $250,000 bond.
These threats highlight a growing and sobering reality: faith-based organizations—churches, schools and synagogues—are increasingly becoming targets. As hostility toward believers rises, churches across the nation are taking proactive measures to safeguard their congregations.
Practical steps include:
- Establishing safety teams trained in both security response and de-escalation.
- Installing security cameras and controlled entry systems to monitor who comes and goes during services.
- Partnering with local law enforcement for regular patrols, active shooter drills and community coordination.
- Training ushers and greeters to identify suspicious behavior and maintain communication during gatherings.
- Creating clear evacuation and lockdown plans to ensure safety without instilling fear among worshippers.
While security measures can help protect the body, the greater battle remains spiritual. Scripture warns that violence and persecution will escalate as humanity nears the end of the age. Jesus foretold that in the Great Tribulation, believers will be hated and even killed for His name. The increasing hostility toward Jews and Christians today foreshadows that coming period, when persecution will reach its global peak.
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Christians, this is a time for both vigilance and faith. As evil grows bolder, the church must remain steadfast—both in physical readiness and in spiritual endurance. These events are not meant to inspire fear but to awaken faith, reminding the faithful that Christ’s return is near and that His followers must stand firm, shining light into a darkening world.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
