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Potential Large-Scale Attack Prompts Major Activity in Orange County, Central Florida

The increasing frequency of attacks in large public spaces has prompted officials to take action, leading to a recent large-scale preparedness exercise.

Fountain at the Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Credit: Ed A., Inside the Magic

On January 1, 2025, tragedy struck in New Orleans, Louisiana, as 15 people lost their lives, including the perpetrator, in what was classified as an act of domestic terror. The incident underscored the ongoing rise in violent attacks targeting high-density locations. As Click Orlando reported, “Officials said they’ve seen a rise in dangerous attacks over the last decade, especially in large facilities.”

In response, a significant training exercise took place in Orange County, Florida, allowing first responders to refine their tactics in the face of such threats. The drill, conducted at the Orlando Convention Center, spanned 90 minutes and involved over 300 participants. Agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Orange County Fire Rescue, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the operation.

To ensure realism, teams “conducted a full-scale exercise with actors using fake blood and weapons to play out mass shootings and other violent attacks”—all designed to prepare emergency personnel “for the real thing.”

Florida exit sign
Credit: Canva

“This exercise has been well in planning for over a year and it just happens to be a coincidence that it’s similar to what happened in New Orleans,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Mark Canty (via Click Orlando). “Our staff tirelessly looks, researches, and plans for every type of contingency. It’s not just an actual shooter at a school or mall. It’s everything that can harm this community and put it in danger.”

Chief Martis Mack of the Orange County Fire Rescue Division also highlighted the evolving nature of such threats: “Last year we started seeing a string of active shooter events with fire being used, so last year our drill was focused on an active shooter drill with fire as a weapon.”

Crowds in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at Disney World.
Credit: Inside the Magic

As home to some of the world’s largest entertainment hubs—including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort—Orange County sees millions of visitors annually, making large-scale preparedness crucial. While security incidents remain rare in theme parks, Disney guests were rattled last year when an active shooter scare swept through Magic Kingdom Park. Thankfully, the situation turned out to be a false alarm.

What are your thoughts on Orange County officials stepping up their emergency preparedness? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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