PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING HOW TO
PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING PROFESSIONAL
PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING FREE

The operation’s tempo, tactics and objectives suddenly changed, leaving no clear path to follow. When the active shooter event transitioned into a barricaded hostage situation, the Orlando Police Department was left in an unanticipated predicament. We’ve made a lot of progress in the development of active shooter protocols since the 1999 Columbine High School attack, but the Pulse nightclub shooting shows we still haven’t anticipated all the possibilities. Active shooter protocols require further study and refinement.

PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING PROFESSIONAL

To their credit, two paramedics violated protocol to aid victims outside the club, but took a professional risk to do so.īetter communication and coordination at the command level between police and fire-EMS is essential beforehand to ensure a smooth integration of assets during a critical event. Even when the threat had been contained in a corner of the building, and police leaders requested assistance, fire-EMS crews were prevented from going to the casualty collection point located outside and across the street, or opening the doors to a fire station several blocks away from the incident to aid the victims that fled there. Police and fire-EMS coordination is critical.įire-EMS forces were prohibited from responding to the Pulse nightclub by their chain of command, delaying critically needed treatment for victims. The Orlando Police showed how putting rapid pressure on the killer can change this calculus, since the Pulse killer shot no additional victims after the entry team closed on his position and fired at him. Any delay in shutting down the killer could generate additional victims. Additionally, agencies must ensure that officers on contact teams understand their principal concern is ending the threat, not rescuing the victims they encounter.

Victim considerations.Īs in the Paris Bataclan Theater and San Bernardino terror attacks that preceded it, the Pulse attack demonstrated how quickly responding officers could be overwhelmed by the sheer number of victims that needed medical attention and rescue.īecause mass casualty incidents can quickly overwhelm responding forces, a robust mutual aid program is essential to deal with the volume of victims.

PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING FREE

We have seen this behavior prior to other active shooter attacks, such as in the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting, where the attacker bypassed targets that were closer to his home and which offered a larger population of victims to attack, to target the only theater in the area with a restrictive “gun free zone” policy that disarmed patrons, thereby reducing the chance he would be opposed. The Pulse nightclub was ostensibly chosen because it appeared to be a soft target, offering a high probability of success. It appears that the Pulse nightclub was not the primary target of the attacker, who had previously reconnoitered the Disney World theme park and other locations, but was deterred by the security measures at those sites. Officers might consider making a momentary stop before reaching the scene to don protective equipment (helmet, plates), and access enhanced equipment and weaponry ( active shooter bag, IFAK, tactical vest, long guns from the trunk or rack) so they’re mission ready upon arrival and protected to the maximum extent from ambush threats. Officers should recognize that when they arrive at a high-threat scene, they may get ambushed, come under immediate fire, or be forced by circumstances – as Lieutenant Smith was – to react immediately without donning all of their equipment. Lieutenant Smith would later take a position down a short hallway from the rifle-armed attacker, and engage him with rifle fire, without the benefit of his protective equipment or spare ammunition for his primary weapon. Without delay, Smith grabbed his rifle, organized a hasty team, and made entry, leaving his rifle plates, helmet, spare ammunition and other vital equipment behind in his rush to stop the threat. Upon his arrival, Lieutenant Smith was immediately confronted by a chaotic scene, with a swarm of victims fleeing from the shooter’s gunfire inside.

PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING HOW TO

How to equip and train cops for solo officer active shooter responseġ.