BROOKLYN, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to Brooklyn, New York, following a devastating building collapse that claimed at least eight lives and left several others injured, shaking the local community. Crews continue searching through the rubble as rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
Crisis-trained chaplains will provide emotional and spiritual care to families, first responders and others affected by the tragedy. They will offer a compassionate presence, a listening ear and prayer as the community grieves the loss of loved ones.
“The impact of this tragedy reaches far beyond the site of the collapse, touching countless families, neighbors and first responders,” said Holland. “As this community faces unimaginable grief and uncertainty, our chaplains will be there to listen, pray and remind those who are hurting that they are not alone and that there is hope in Jesus Christ.”
In addition to Brooklyn, chaplains are ministering in Alabama and Florida following Hurricane Isaias and in the Navajo Nation following severe flooding. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also continues to provide emotional and spiritual care to families displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with chaplain coordinators in Brooklyn
- B-Roll and photos of deployments (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 960 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
[email protected]
+1 (704) 401-2717