Security Shortcomings in the Louisville Bank Active Shooter Event
In a horrific act of violence that unfolded on an April morning, a mass shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, resulted in the loss of five lives and left eight others injured.
At the beginning of the event, one worker dialed 911 while hiding in a conference room closet after eight or nine of her colleagues had already been shot. She said that the assailant had been one of her co-workers; the gunman’s LinkedIn profile revealed he had been a former employee there, for roughly two years. As the employee recounts the incident to the operator, loud gunshots are heard in the background. Three minutes after being dispatched, local law enforcement arrived on the scene.
The shooter, armed with an AR-15 purchased in Louisville a week prior, opened fire on police officers as they approached the bank’s entrance. The rapid escalation of violence resulted in one officer being critically injured.
The active shooter, identified as 25-year-old Connor Sturgeon, was killed by responding officers.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, it becomes crucial to examine how such a devastating event occurred and which steps to secure the work environment could prevent another violent act from taking place.
External Security and Technology
The armed assailant easily gained access to the bank. Were security protocols in place that included weapons detection? The SmartSOS platform uses EagleEye™ AI technology to detect threats, such as visible guns, with great accuracy. In such a scenario, the platform would alert personnel of a possible threat before shots are fired. This potentially improves response time and allows for a proper reaction before a violent situation occurs.
Emergency Response
Despite the rapid dispatch of officers, the employee who called 911 was only able to report the situation after others had already been shot. The SmartSOS™ platform installs tactile button stations at a work site that help reduce the average dispatch time from 8-10 minutes to 3-5 seconds. Instead of requiring a call to 911 and a description of an incident while it occurs, our panic buttons allow for a rapid relay of information – vital in situations where seconds can save lives.
Communication and Real-Time Data
The gunman opened fire on the responding officers as soon as they arrived on the scene, resulting in one of the officers being critically injured. With the SmartSOS platform, law enforcement officers receive real-time data and communication streamed directly to them, helping them plan how best to enter the scene and avoid potential violence before entering the work site.
Button Stations Make Response Swift and Simple
Mitigate a Situation Before it Occurs
The Louisville bank shooting reminds us of the need for ironclad security measures and response protocols. Many wait until after an incident occurs to complete a threat assessment and take proper preventive measures, but as seen in the Old National Bank shooting, the risk of workplace violence is always there. Despite the shooter’s years of employment at the bank, family members and co-workers saw no warning signs of an atrocity of this level. Examining these security failures is crucial to ensure future workplace safety and mitigate potential violence.
Unpacking the Citadel Mall Shooting
On Christmas Eve, tragedy struck the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs when disruptive behavior escalated into violent behavior, claiming one life and leaving two others with serious injuries. Chaos erupted just after 4:30 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department responded to a call for shots fired, and investigating officers arrived at the scene of the violent act. The assailant, Josiah Brown, 22, faces one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree assault in connection with the incident.
Lack of Proactive Security Measures
The incident at the Citadel Mall exposed a vulnerability in the mall’s security infrastructure, as the fight escalated unchecked. The comprehensive security solution SOS Technologies offers includes AI-powered surveillance, identifying potential violence before it escalates. Once any weapon becomes visible, the system alerts security to take appropriate actions. This proactive approach enhances a location’s ability to prevent violent behavior and instantly respond to emerging threats.
Inadequate Technology and Lack of Background Checks
Josiah Brown, the suspect, has an extensive criminal record, including multiple accusations of domestic violence and prior convictions for assault and menacing. SOS EagleEye AI technology uses facial identification, triggering a security alert for anyone with a suspicious criminal background and possible criminal intent. This tool helps security identify potential threats before they pose a danger to the public well-being, and could have mitigated an attack such as this.
Insufficient Communication Protocols
In situations like the Citadel Mall shooting, where the escalation of violence is visible, effective communication is critical for a timely response. Through the SmartSOS platform’s accessible real-time data, security staff can notify law enforcement in seconds. This data is also shared with law enforcement, enabling rapid communication and response times.
Striving for More Effective Security Solutions
The Citadel Mall shooting underscores the urgency of implementing robust security measures in public spaces for the well-being of workers and shoppers alike. As communities deal with the aftermath of tragic events, businesses, public spaces, and public institutions must take proactive steps to enhance their security protocols. SOS Technologies stands ready to collaborate with organizations seeking to fortify their existing security infrastructure, offering cutting-edge solutions to address and prevent potential violence. By investing in advanced security technologies and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can help create safer environments for everyone.