A morning that began like any other turned tragic today when an employee opened fire on his supervisor and fellow co-workers.
News Man on Computer #2
Students, parents, teachers are asking why today after a bloody rampage plunged this campus into tragedy.
News Lady on Computer #1
Details are just coming in, but we're being told that a heavily armed gunman opened fire this evening at the mall food court behind me. There's no official word on any causalities yet, but one eye witness reported seeing at least six people shot.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Active shooter: a gunman or gunmen killing or attempting to kill people in a confined populated area.
Employee #1
You gotta get some sleep. You're looking like a vampire.
Employee #2
You sleep.
Employee #1
You ain't got no babies at home keeping you up.
(Yelling inside office)
Employee #1
What the hell?
Employee #2
Ah, it's him again.
Office Employee
We've tried- I'm sorry. We're gonna have to let you go.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Active shooter killings are a tragic unpredictable reality, and one that's becoming more common.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Since 2006, the US has averaged an active shooter event with four or more deaths every 2.9 months.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Even though the number of active shooter events has been increasing, your odds of being involved in one are still very slim. But just like fire drills and earthquake preparedness, making a plan in advance can make all the difference. If you do find yourself in the middle of a senseless attack, the why doesn't matter
Gunman
Hey. Hey buddy.
Lori
Hey something's happening.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
What matters is surviving.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
On average, 20 mass shootings take place in the US every year.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Killers usually choose their victims at random. They look for easy targets, so the harder you are to see or to hit, the safer you are.
Mall Goer #1
(unintelligible mumbling with fear)
Narrator (Deep Voice)
When an attack starts, if you can find a way out of the location, do so.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Get out.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
If you stay calm and think clearly, even in the middle of a life and death event, you improve your chances of making it out. Visualize your movements in advance.
Mall Goer #1
What are we gonna do?
Mall Goer #2
Look at me. Look at me. I'm gonna get us out. Stay behind me, and stay down.
Mall Goer #1
Okay.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Use cover, something that will stop a bullet. And concealment, something that at least keeps you out of sight.
Officer
Attention south ___ units, code to respond needed regarding a 545 USV 417. This will be at the Town Center Shopping Mall. Subject's wearing a face mask, possible body armor.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Use any available means to get out, including emergency exits or windows. Most restaurants and retail locations will also have exits in the back through kitchens or stock rooms. Even in the best cases police are minutes, not seconds away. You must take action to protect yourself.
Professor
Okay, everybody stay calm. It's probably just a drill.
Lori
No! Go back, go back!
Bystander #2
Oh my god. Come here, come here, come here.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
If you can help others without putting yourself in unnecessary danger, do so.
Bystander #2
What's your name?
Lori
Lori.
Bystander #2
Lori, it's gonna be okay.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
If you can't move safely to an exit, get to a room or a confined area you can lock down. Then, secure the location.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Secure your location.
Student
Oh my god!
Lori
There's somebody shooting.
Professor
Everybody stay calm, remember how we train. Everybody get in this corner, away from the window. Get the emergency bag from my desk. Help her.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Drywall won't stop a bullet, but there are steps to take to stay safe. Lock or barricade the doors, turn off the lights, move away from any windows, and silence your cell phone.
Professor
The other door doesn't lock. Move desks or anything, just block it.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
A modern emergency bag can include a first aid kit, gloves, emergency plans for the building, and casualty cards to alert first responders to any wounded victims.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Most active shooter situations are over in 10-15 minutes.
Officer
Attention __ units, code ___ red 425 GSV 417. It's gonna be at Alexandria College. Multiple victims down.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Law enforcement's first responsibility when entering an active shooter situation is to stop the suspect, not to render aid to the victims. Medical teams will enter the scene as soon as the suspect is no longer a threat or is confirmed in another location. Silence any cell phones and remain quiet. Do not alert the shooter to your presence.
Law Enforcement Officer
(Unintelligible yelling)
Sherriff's department, is there anyone inside?
Professor
Red card.
Law Enforcement Officer
Just hang tight. We'll be back to get you.
Narrator (Computer Voice)
Defend yourself.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
If you cannot escape the location, and you can't shelter in place, you may have to defend yourself as a last resort. Almost anything can be turned into an improvised weapon. Look for something that can disrupt the shooter's ability to see, breathe, or control their weapon.
Employee #1
AHHHHH!
Law Enforcement Officer
Let me see your hands.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
When law enforcement arrives, they are going to be in a heightened state of readiness and awareness, looking for any aggressive movements. So keep your hands visible, and follow any commands given.
Employee #1
It's him. He's the shooter.
Law Enforcement Officer
What happened? What happened?
Mall Goer #1
A shooter. I just saw one shooter.
Narrator (Deep Voice)
Especially in developing situations, engaging law enforcement, running toward them, reaching toward them, even to thank them, could put people at risk.