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We feel the open carrying of weapons is part of a violent culture and we kind of want to push back against open carry and gun violence, we welcome you to worship. We love the fact that you’re here, but please leave the gun in the car. Church shootings have been a disturbing fact for decades, according to BuckeyeFirearms.org, which listed instances dating back to 1974. The most notorious shooting occurred last June, when a 21-year-old white supremacist named Dylann Storm Roof gunned down nine strangers at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church in Charleston, South Carolina, after praying with them for more than an hour. Last month, the FBI provided security training for 165 faith leaders at its Dallas headquarters. The key is to be proactive and plan for it ahead of time and train for it ahead of time, so in the unlikely event something does happen, you're ready and prepared to deal with that situation, John Smith, risk management director with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, said. Michael Lanford, co-owner of SC Firearms Training, provides firearm training and consulting for churches throughout South Carolina. Michael Lanford helps clients hiring outside security teams or to form their own. Michael Lanford, who has a background in the military and law enforcement, said taking down an active shooter in a church requires unique reactions, and that safety and training are critical.