Mormon Security Director Says Churches Not Likely Targets

Nov. 4, 2004
'Anonymity' of most churches does not make them probable locations for terror attacks

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- America is a target-rich country, leaving potential terrorists with many options besides Utah and its abundance of Mormon churches.

Multiple government buildings, large cities, McDonald's restaurants and tourist attractions are more apt to become targets of international targets, said Gregory Dunn, the managing director of security for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The state Department of Public Safety confirmed little intelligence has been found that makes Temple Square or other LDS Church sites terrorist targets, said spokesman Derek Jensen.

Dunn said church buildings in other countries are as safe as they are in Utah.

``It turns out the church just isn't really that well known in the places where the risk is greatest,'' he said. ``The church carries a lot of anonymity in many places of the world.''

The biggest risk to church members is being in the ``wrong place at the wrong time'' in other places of the world, said Dunn.