AG HOLDER WANTS MONEY APPROVED FOR TRAINING LAW OFFICERS TO HANDLE 'ACTIVE SHOOTER' SITUATIONS

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Following Mass Shooting Incidents, Attorney General Holder Urges Congress to Approve $15 Million to Train Law Enforcement Officers for 'Active Shooter' Situations

Following the recent tragedies at a Jewish Community Center outside of Kansas City and at Ft. Hood, Attorney General Eric Holder urged Congress Tuesday to approve $15 million in funding for active shooter training for law enforcement officers to ensure they have the tools they need to effectively respond to threats, protect themselves, and save innocent lives.

“In the face of this urgent and growing threat – when the lives of innocent people are at stake – those who stand on the front lines need our full and unwavering support," Holder said in a video message posted on the Justice Department's website. "This critical funding would help the Justice Department ensure that America’s police officers have the tools and guidance they need to effectively respond to active shooter incidents whenever and wherever they arise."

“Over the last decade, the Justice Department and the FBI have helped provide cutting-edge active shooter training to 50,000 front-line officers.  In the video message, Holder said continuing this training is critical since the patrol officers who arrive first on the scene are increasingly being relied on to respond directly to active shooters rather than wait for SWAT teams.”

The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below:

“Between 2000 and 2008, the United States experienced an average of approximately five active shooter incidents every year.  Since 2009, this annual average has roughly tripled.  Earlier this month, Fort Hood suffered the second mass shooting that community has experienced in just five years.  And in a separate incident over the weekend, a gunman opened fire at a Jewish Community Center just outside of Kansas City.

“The Justice Department has concluded that federal hate crimes charges are appropriate in this case, and in the months ahead, we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served for every victim.

“But each of these tragic events is a heartbreaking reminder that mass shootings are all too common.  And they have become increasingly deadly.

“As a nation, we must confront this alarming rise and all of its underlying causes – honestly, factually, and without regard for political consequence.  We must deal with these incidents whenever they happen – but, just as importantly, we must prevent them whenever we can.

“Today’s Department of Justice committed to doing just that.  We’re more determined than ever to prevent mass shootings.  The FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center, which supports state, local and campus safety stakeholders, has worked diligently to respond to a nearly 200 percent increase in requests for assistance in the last year, and to help detect and mitigate potential active shooter situations.

“But we must also be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to active shooter incidents if and when they do occur.  And in today’s world, the first response must often be led not by SWAT teams or specialized police units – but by the very first patrol officers to arrive on the scene.

“That’s why all law enforcement officers must have the best equipment and most up-to-date training to confront these situations – to stop active shooters in their tracks, to protect themselves, and to save innocent lives.

“Over the last decade, the Justice Department and the FBI have helped provide cutting-edge active shooter training to 50,000 front-line officers, more than 7,000 on-scene commanders, and over 3,000 local, state, and federal agency heads.  This vital work must continue – but to provide training, we need adequate funding.

“Today, I am urging Congress to approve President Obama’s request for $15 million for active shooter training and other officer safety initiatives.  This critical funding would help the Justice Department ensure that America’s police officers have the tools and guidance they need to effectively respond to active shooter incidents whenever and wherever they arise.

“Every day, America’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials perform their duties with integrity, courage, and extraordinary valor.  In the face of this urgent and growing threat – when the lives of innocent people are at stake – those who stand on the front lines need our full and unwavering support.  The safety of the American people demands it.  And the men, women, and children whose lives are impacted by active shooters every year deserve nothing less.”

U.S. DOD RELEASE REGARDING FORT HOOD SHOOTING

Right:  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel receives a briefing from the Army’s director of operations on a shooting incident at Fort Hood Texas, via the ship's phone while touring the USS Anchorage at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, April 2, 2014. DOD photo via Twitter from @cbrentcolburn.  

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Gunman Kills 3 Fellow Soldiers at Fort Hood, Takes Own Life
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2014 – A soldier killed three fellow soldiers and wounded 16 more before killing himself at Fort Hood, Texas, officials said tonight.

There is no evidence that the incident is related to terrorism, said Army Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley, the commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood.

“We are not ruling anything out, and the investigation continues,” the general said DURING a late-night news conference. “Our focus now is to focus on the families of the injured, and focus on the families of the killed [to] ensure they have the best care and counseling available.”

The soldier used a recently purchased .45-caliber pistol and first fired on personnel in the 1st Medical Brigade at about 4 p.m. CDT before moving on to the 49th Transportation Battalion.

A military policewoman confronted him in a parking lot, where he drew his pistol and killed himself. Milley called the MP’s actions heroic.

The soldier – whose name is withheld until his next of kin are notified – had some behavioral health and mental health issues and was being evaluated for post-traumatic stress, Milley said.

“When we have these kinds of tragedies on our bases, something is not working,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said during a news conference in Hawaii, where he has been attending a conference of Pacific-nation defense ministers and visiting U.S. forces.

In a written statement issued by the Pentagon, Hagel stressed that nothing is more important to the department than the safety and well-being of service members and their families. “I am grateful to all the first responders who rushed to the scene,” he said. “We will closely monitor the situation at Fort Hood and stay informed by what investigators and law enforcement personnel learn about the shooting.”
President Barack Obama also is following the situation closely. In an appearance in Chicago, the president said DOD, federal and state officials will work together to find out what happened and why.

Obama said the shooting reopens the pain of the shootings at Fort Hood five years ago. “We know these families,” he said. “We know their incredible service to our country and the sacrifices that they make. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the thoughts and prayers of the greater military community are with those at Fort Hood. “Many questions remain, and our focus is on supporting the victims and their families,” Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said in a statement released at the Pentagon. “This is a community that has faced and overcome crises with resilience and strength.”

Personnel on the base were ordered to shelter in place, and the order was lifted about 10 p.m. EDT.