FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and hundreds of faith leaders to offer advice and tools to protect the people they lead.

Hundreds of people were at the tactical briefing Friday, Oct. 3 where the resounding message was that denying violence won’t save lives. Instead, the forum offered a chance for people to prepare in peace to perform in chaos.

Nessel spoke about her office’s hate crime unit. She said in 2024 there were 620 hate crimes in Michigan. She stressed, if you see something concerning, report it to law enforcement at the earliest opportunity. After that, you can also make a report by emailing [email protected].

“So hate incidents may involve offensive comments, gestures or other non-criminal behavior. Even though hate incidents can’t be prosecuted, they should be taken seriously,” Nessel said. “59% of domestic terrorists begin to demonstrate violent behavior more than a year in advance of their actual violent plot.”

Several deputies also gave presentations during the tactical training, including how to secure your building, how to use a trauma kit and what to do when an active assault happens. The deputies told those gathered to first run, then hide and fight if nothing else.

“You might have to do this, I’m going to tell you the easiest way to win a fight is eye, throat, groan, you take ones ability to see away, you have a good chance of winning, you punch them in the throat and disrupt their breathing. You have a a very good chance of winning. Or, if you kick a person in the groin it limits the person’s movement. It increases your chance of winning. That’s going to help you win every fight. When you are in a fight for your life, there is no rules,” said Lt. Rudy Lopez.

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson recommended faith leaders to practice run, hide, fight scenarios a few times each year after services.

Faith-based leaders also left the tactical training with trauma kits to take back to their communities.