FBI to hold symposium on church violence

David A. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in South Carolina, will host a symposium on violent incidents at houses of worship at 7 p.m. Monday at the Lowcountry Community Church, 801 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton.

In the wake of the tragedy in Charleston, the FBI began hosting events specifically for houses of worship throughout South Carolina. The FBI has conducted similar events in Aiken, Greenville, Columbia, Conway, Charleston, Florence and Spartanburg, according to a bureau news release.

The FBI will provide the latest information and share lessons to help houses of worship better prepare for potentially violent incidents.

Topics include: characteristics of active shooters and pre-incident behavioral indicators; dealing with the national news; supporting victims and families; what to expect from responding law enforcement and public safety, according to the release.

This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 9:02 AM with the headline "FBI to hold symposium on church violence."