Despite stay-at-home orders and the closure of non-essential businesses, schools, and most childcare centers due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, active shooter events and violent attacks have continued to plague our country. While this may seem counterintuitive, studies have shown that there is a high rate of attacks after a break in routine. As many as 41% of all school attacks occur within one week of returning after a break.
Recent Violent Attacks
The city of Chicago, which has a long history of violence, just experienced its most violent Memorial Day weekend in the past 5 years. Unrest from protests throughout the country has turned violent and deadly in some areas. Also, a killer in the Eastern United States terrified several areas after murdering 2 people before being arrested by the police.
During the week of May 20-May 27, 2020, our country also had three active shooter events.
These events have gotten very little news coverage due to the extensive media coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is a quick summary of the active shooter events:
May 20, 2020: Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale, AZ (3 people injured)
May 21, 2020: Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX (1 person injured)
May 27, 2020: Centennial Bridge, Platte County, MO (2 people injured)
Fortunately, all the active shooters were subdued by the quick actions of police, citizens, and military personnel before more people were injured or killed.
Now Is Not the Time to Let Our Guard Down
We are all currently focused on reopening our facilities and continuing the battle against the COVID-19 coronavirus. But, we cannot lose sight of other dangers, such as active attacks on our child care centers and the children in our care. Our society is facing extreme dangers as depression and anxiety increase throughout the population. Gun sales have skyrocketed while many are facing mental health issues due to job loss, domestic violence issues, loss of income, solitary lifestyle, and loss of routine and structure.
Let's be vigilant and be prepared to keep our kids safe from both the COVID-19 coronavirus and active attacks. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is now scheduling onsite active shooter preparedness training for childcare programs, schools, and Houses of Worship as we move into the next phases of the reopening of our country. Schedule on-site training today: Click here.
Don’t be scared, be prepared!