The DC Navy Yard Shooting—What It Means for NYC

NYPD SHIELD officers monitor events worldwide, create assessments about the implications for our city and share them with affected parties so that we can be better prepared. Below is NYPD SHIELD'S analysis of the Washington DC Navy Yard shooting tragedy and the lessons it holds for New York.

We urge you to share this material with all appropriate staff or clients. 

• Active shooters often choose public locations and large crowds to maximize casualties 

•  Attacks in schools or the workplace may target specific individuals for a particular grievance

•  Preparation and coordination between law enforcement and facility personnel in response to an active shooter scenario is critical, especially when a facility’s layout is complex or extensive

•  Domestic extremist groups and anti-government extremists with varied ideological motives have targeted law enforcement officers as symbols of authority

•  International and domestic terrorist organizations, as well as homegrown violent extremists, have carried out numerous targeted acts of violence against primary and secondary educational institutions using deadly tactics and weapons ranging from knives and firearms to IEDs

•  Violent extremist groups have been known to conduct hostile pre-operational surveillance in advance of major attacks, and security personnel should be alert to suspicious behavior and activities including loitering near potential target locations, extensive photography, and probing questions regarding safety procedures and personnel

For further information on active shooter incidents, go to www.nypdshield.org.