Settlement Approved After Disturbing Active Shooter Drill in Michigan

Settlement Approved After Disturbing Active Shooter Drill in Michigan

Detroit, MI – In a shocking turn of events that left many in trauma, a judge has approved a hefty $13 million settlement stemming from an unannounced active shooter drill at the Hawthorn Center, a psychiatric hospital for children located in the suburbs of Detroit. This drill, conducted on December 21, 2022, created panic and fear among not just the children but also the staff, leading to frantic attempts to find safety.

A Day of Panic

During the drill, a message was unexpectedly broadcast through the hospital’s speaker system. Someone declared there were two armed men inside the facility and that shots had been fired. Attorney Robin Wagner shared that this false alarm set off an overwhelming chaos where everyone was screaming, scrambling, and panicking.

“It was horrifying,” Wagner recounted, underlining the distressing atmosphere at Hawthorn Center. “Everyone went into, ‘Oh my God. This is the worst day of my life.’ People were hiding under their desks, barricading the doors, desperately trying to figure out how to protect the children.”

The Response

While chaos ensued inside, police officers responded to numerous 911 calls concerning the incident. They arrived at the scene armed with body armor and high-powered weapons, fully expecting a significant crisis. Wagner mentioned that while two individuals had been told to act as shooters, they weren’t actually armed, which must have been a relief amid the confusion.

Determining Consequences

With the approval of Judge James Redford on October 4, 2024, it has been determined that the hospital’s decision to conduct such a drill without proper notification would not go unchallenged. In the settlement, approximately 50 children will receive about $60,000 each, while about 90 staff members will see an average of more than $50,000, varying based on results from a trauma evaluation. Additionally, two dozen others will receive lesser amounts.

Reflections on the Incident

Wagner highlighted that the state acknowledged the drill was a terrible oversight that resulted in substantial distress for many. Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health and Human Services, expressed regret over the impact on the patients, staff, and the wider community. “We felt it was in the best interest of all involved parties to settle this matter,” Sutfin stated, acknowledging the need for accountability.

A Lesson Learned

The drill was set up by the safety director at the Hawthorn Center, who remains employed with the state. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of careful planning and communication, especially in environments dedicated to vulnerable populations such as children facing mental health challenges. Thankfully, the hospital has since closed for reasons unrelated to this traumatic event, but it leaves behind serious questions about judgment and safety protocols.

Conclusion

The settlement not only aims to provide compensation for those affected but also highlights the need for the careful execution of such drills in the future. As communities across the country grapple with the realities of safety in schools and facilities, incidents like this emphasize the urgency for clear practices that do not compromise the well-being of the children they intend to protect.