FBI Jackson
Public Affairs Officer Marshay Lawson
(601)-948-5000 | fbijacksonmedia@fbi.gov
May 6, 2014

FBI Hosts Comprehensive Incident Threat Response Exercise

The Jackson Field Office of the FBI will host a training exercise to simulate a complex terrorist attack in a public venue. The exercise will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, beginning at 9:15 p.m. at Metrocenter Mall located on Highway 80 in Jackson, Mississippi.

The FBI, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); state and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services; and the private sector, is conducting exercises at local malls across the country as the final phase of the Complex Mall Attack initiative, which was developed to promote preparedness. In 2013, all FBI field offices hosted facilitated discussions with public safety and private sector partners that focused on preparedness, response, and recovery efforts necessary to effectively address a complex attack. The FBI is committed to strengthening public safety and private sector partnerships necessary to protect the United States and its citizens. This initiative is one of many that complement ongoing efforts by the FBI and DHS to provide assistance and resources to law enforcement, medical, and private agencies/entities. Every effort has been made to schedule this exercise so as not to interfere with normal mall operations. The public may see law enforcement activity at Metrocenter Mall from 7:00 p.m. on May 6 until the early morning of May 7 and is asked to avoid the mall property during this time.

“This exercise is, first and foremost, a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, first responders, and private sector partners who would be called upon in the event of a critical incident. Our goal is to work together as a team to assess our response plans and make any necessary adjustments well in advance of a potential real-world incident,” said Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Office of the FBI. “We sincerely thank our hosts today, Metrocenter Mall and the city of Jackson, as well as the many local, state, and federal partners who are participating in this exercise. Our common goal is to be better prepared to protect the public in the unlikely event of an attack.”

Participating agencies include: FBI Jackson, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Jackson Police Department, the Clinton Police Department, the Clinton Fire Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, UMMC Emergency Medicine, including Air Care and MEDCOM, and Metrocenter Mall Security.