Share

Steps taken to address Walter Reed shooting alert error

Share

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — Navy officials are taking steps to correct deficiencies that wrongly led to reports of an active shooter last month at Walter Reed National Medical Center outside Washington, two congressmen briefed by Navy officials said Friday.

Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Jamie Raskin of Maryland released a joint statement after their meeting with Navy officials this week.

“After a lengthy discussion, we are satisfied that Naval officials share our concerns and are taking proactive steps to correct deficiencies identified during this event,” Ruppersberger and Raskin said.

Messages stating “Exercise Active Shooter” and “Exercise Suspicious Package” were inadvertently sent to nearly 4,000 people on Nov. 27 over an emergency alert system that sends voice call, text and email notifications, the officials said. That led to an 80-minute active shooter lockdown.

It happened after a service member who hadn’t been properly trained to use the system intended the messages to go to only a small group in preparation for a future drill. About 15 minutes after the alert was sent, a clerk in the oncology unit reported getting several automated telephone messages stating “active shooter,” according to the congressmen.

Trending:
Prince Harry Named in Major Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Rapper

The clerk reported not hearing the words “exercise” or “drill,” and that set in motion pre-planned responses for an active shooter event.

Ruppersberger and Raskin said Naval officials are reevaluating who can authorize users of the alert system and who can release messages over the system. They also are updating training requirements and establishing new controls to prevent a test from triggering an actual response.

Officials also are training and recertifying alert system users on new procedures. The emergency management plan for the Naval Support Activity Bethesda campus is being updated, the congressmen added.

Furthermore, officials are developing means to provide first responders with keys, access cards and blueprints for all installation buildings.

Walter Reed is the nation’s largest military hospital and, according to its website, is among the first stops in the continental U.S. for troops wounded in combat.

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
Share
The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter
The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.
Location
New York City




Conversation