The Oklahoma City Division of the FBI will host a training exercise to simulate a complex terrorist attack in a public venue. The exercise will take place on April 29, 2014, beginning at 1:00 a.m. at the Quail Springs Mall located at 2501 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The FBI and DHS will partner with representatives from state and local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and the private sector to execute 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. Exercises are an essential part of assessing response efforts and making improvements. Collaboration between the federal government, first responders, and private sector partners during such exercises is essential to ensuring a united and prepared security posture during attacks in public venues.

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 Quail Springs Mall on April 29, 2014, beginning at 1:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. and is asked to avoid the mall property during this time.

Participating agencies include: FBI Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Police Department, Edmond Police Department, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma City Fire Department, EMSA, and Quail Springs Mall Security.

The FBI continues to urge the American public to remain vigilant. In keeping with the DHS “If you see something, say something” campaign, the public is encouraged to report suspicious persons, packages, or activity to appropriate public safety officials to include venue security, local law enforcement, and/or the FBI.

These efforts are not in response to any current threat: training exercises are designed to test and validate response plans. After each exercise, we assess our response and make necessary improvements to our plans. The Complex Mall Attack Exercise Series is a prudent measure consistent with our mission to share information and work in conjunction with our public safety and private sector partners to improve threat response capabilities and identify best practices and lessons learned.

- Further information: Active Shooting and Mass Casualty Incidents page