CATO Podcast Ep 80: Lessons Learned: Mass Shooting at Texas Mall
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Nov 20, 2024 Kris Wirstrom, the Deputy Chief of the Allen Police Department, brings 27 years of law enforcement experience to the discussion after leading the response to the tragic mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets. He shares gripping insights on the chaos of that day, including the critical initial response by an officer already present. Wirstrom emphasizes the challenges of misinformation, the importance of pre-established emergency protocols, and the need for mental health support for first responders. His reflections serve as vital lessons for improving future responses.
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Officer's Rapid Transition Under Fire
- An Allen officer on a parking dispute ran ~200 yards into an active ambush, engaged the shooter, and stopped the attack within minutes.
- The officer shifted roles from community policing to warrior to tactical medic in about four minutes under extreme stress.
Pace Forces Constant Reprioritization
- Priorities in an active shooter change faster than you can form a sentence; commanders must constantly reassess 'what's important now.'
- The attacker planned; responders are inherently playing catch-up and must seize initiative quickly.
Divide Teams To Handle Competing Demands
- Split resources: assign teams to mass-casualty care and to chase reported secondary shooters when calls pour in.
- Act on plausible reports rather than waiting for perfect confirmation to avoid missed threats.