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