Detroit Judge Grants $13 Million Settlement Following Traumatic Active Shooter Drill at Children’s Psychiatric Hospital

Detroit Judge Approves $13 Million Settlement Over Disturbing Active Shooter Drill

In a significant development in Detroit, a judge has approved a hefty $13 million settlement for a traumatic and unannounced active shooter drill that took place at a psychiatric hospital for children. This incident, which happened on December 21, 2022, left both kids and staff in a state of sheer panic. The drill was intended to test the hospital’s emergency preparedness, but it spiraled out of control, leading to widespread fear and confusion.

What Happened During the Drill?

According to attorney Robin Wagner, who represents the victims, the chaos began when an alarming message was blared through a speaker system. It falsely stated that two armed men were inside the Hawthorn Center, where roughly 50 children receive care, and that shots had been fired. Can you imagine the dread that filled the air? Children and staff alike scrambled to safety, searching for hiding spots under desks and barricading doors, all while in a state of sheer terror.

“Everyone went into, ‘Oh my God. This is the worst day of my life,’” Wagner recounted.

Emergency Response

As the situation unfolded, the local police were caught off-guard. Officers flooded the scene, armed to the teeth, ready for what they assumed was a deadly incident. They received an influx of 911 calls, including some from the terrified children who were trying to reach out to their families for help. The response was swift and intense, with officers arriving in body armor and high-powered weapons. Thankfully, it was later clarified that the individuals posing as shooters were unarmed and quickly apprehended.

Settlement Terms

After a lawsuit was filed, a settlement was reached, and Judge James Redford approved it on October 4, 2024. The financial repercussions are far-reaching: each of the 50 children at the hospital is set to receive around $60,000 as part of the compensation. Staff members, totaling about 90 people, will receive an average of more than $50,000, which will vary based on the outcomes of a trauma assessment. Additionally, others who were involved in the chaotic event will also see smaller amounts of compensation.

Wagner expressed that this settlement reflects an acknowledgment from the state that “this was really a bad decision and harmed a lot of people.”

The Bigger Picture

Now, you might be wondering what went wrong in the organization of this drill. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated that the hospital was required to perform a hazard vulnerability analysis. This analysis should have included planning for emergencies like active shooter scenarios, but clearly, the implementation left much to be desired. The spokesperson for the department, Lynn Sutfin, mentioned that the department is collaborating with local police to enhance training for active intruder situations.

Interestingly enough, the Hawthorn Center itself was closed recently due to reasons unrelated to the drill. Still, this incident raises significant concerns about emergency preparedness in mental health facilities, especially those catering to vulnerable children.

Final Thoughts

It is heartening to see that attention is being given to the victims of this unsettling situation, and steps are being taken to rectify the mistakes that led to such an alarming incident. At the end of the day, we all want to feel safe and secure, especially in places designed to heal and care for our most vulnerable populations. Hopefully, lessons learned from this event will lead to better planning and training in the future, ensuring that no other children or staff have to endure a day like December 21, 2022, ever again.