Bayside Catholic Academy Tightens Security With New Lockdown System

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A Catholic school in Bayside installed a lockdown security system to protect them from threats and attacks as a house of worship.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy secured federal funds that cover physical security enhancements that include barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.

“Keeping our communities safe from acts of religious-based violence has to continue to be a top priority,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, who secured the funds.

The enhancements come as faith-based institutions, as well as the LGBTQI+ community, schools, and racial and religious minorities, contend with a rise in acts of hostility.

Northeastern Queens has faced a rise in threats toward the Jewish community.

In February, the city prepared for a possible antisemitic “National Day of Hate” planned by Neo-Nazi groups online. Although no attacks were reported that day in the community, Chabad of Forest Hills North still coordinated with police to keep visitors safe.

That same month, Forest Hills residents were disturbed after a man was arrested for etching disturbing anti-Semitic symbols in Forest Hills and Rego Park. A man in Bayside was also arrested in February after he directed an anti-Semitic slur at a teenager, police said.

The Catholic school in Bayside received $57,000 in federal money through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This program grants houses of worship and nonprofit entities funds to enhance the safety and security of their properties.

The grants are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy includes students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It also provides after-school programs.