The leaders of a Tampa church have posted signs warning the public that their property is not a gun-free zone.
"WE ARE HEAVILY ARMED - ANY ATTEMPT WILL BE DEALT WITH DEADLY FORCE - YES WE ARE A CHURCH AND WE WILL PROTECT OUR PEOPLE," read the signs posted outside every public entrance at River at Tampa Bay Church in east Tampa, according to WPTV.
The church's senior pastor, Rodney Howard-Browne, posted the year-old sign to his Instagram page just days after the tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Church officials say the signs are a deterrent for crime. The non-denominational church also keeps 24-hour security for the 83-acre property, as well as Hillsborough deputies in the sanctuary during services.
