FBI and DHS Host Comprehensive Incident Threat Response Exercise

CHICAGO—Today, Sunday, April 13, the Chicago Field Office of the FBI hosted a training exercise to simulate a complex attack in a public venue. The exercise began during the early morning hours at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, Illinois, and will be complete prior to normal business hours for mall tenants.

The FBI, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, state, and local law enforcement, fire, 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.

“Training opportunities like today’s exercise allow us to strengthen the unity and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, first responders and private sector partners needed to address a crisis and to assess our response and make any necessary improvements well in advance of a real-world incident,” said Robert J. Holley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the FBI. “We sincerely thank our hosts today, Oakbrook Center and the Village of Oak Brook, as well as the many local, state, and federal partners participating in today’s exercise, ensuring that we are all better prepared for the unlikely event of an attack.”

Every effort was made to schedule this exercise so as not to interfere with normal mall operations. Today’s exercise at Oakbrook Center will have no effect on the normal business hours of the mall’s tenants and have minimal effect on pre-opening activities. While the public may see law enforcement activity at Oakbrook Center, the public and the media are advised to avoid the exercise area at the mall while training is in progress. The FBI Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents web page (http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cirg/active-shooter-and-mass-casualty-incidents) is a resource for law enforcement and the public to learn more about critical incidents involving mass casualties.

Participating agencies include FBI Chicago; Illinois State Police; DuPage County Sheriff’s Department; the Felony Investigative Assistance Team of DuPage County; the Oak Brook, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Westchester, Hinsdale, and Westmont Police Departments; the Oak Brook and Lombard Fire Departments/EMS; Regional Healthcare Coordinators; and Oakbrook Center.