Local Law Enforcement Speak About Orlando Tragedy

Over the weekend, one of the worst mass shootings in American history took place at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. According to reports, nearly 50 people were reported dead, and 53 were injured as a result.

With incidents of this nature trending at an all-time high, it is important to feel safe, no matter where you are. We spoke with various law enforcement officers, including Sheriff Frank Andrews. Sheriff Andrews gives his thoughts on the act.

“To start with, it was horrific that something like that would even happen in the United States period.” says Andrews “That’s not an active shooter situation, that’s just a terroristic situation. It’s awful scary to think that stuff like this can take place in this country.”

Chief of Police for the city of Clayton, Andy Strait, discussed the tragedy, saying that it is not something that can be prepared for. “Heaven forbid that something like that happens in our area, really, the only thing you can do is respond based on the training you have. We (Clayton Police) respond to obviously eliminate the threat that’s posed to the community. Whether that be by arrest of the termination of the suspect.”

With incidents of this magnitude happening more frequently than in the past, more procedures are put into place, to avoid the situation if needed. Strait says that he believes that more extensive training has already begun. “I foresee a lot more training geared towards this type of situation. A lot of the training is starting to focus more on situations where you engage suspects in hostile situations.”

 

Sheriff Frank Andrews provided advice for residents, saying that “people need to pay attention, they need to be alert to what is going on. If we sit back and say “well, nothing like that will ever happen here.” Well, guess what, it could happen here. We do the best that we can to train for stuff that takes place like that. I just recommend to people, when they go to clubs or into a big party situation, that they pay attention to what is around them.”

According to reports, 49 people died as a result of this incident.