Amanda Warford Videll
May 4, 2014

FBI and DHS Host Comprehensive Incident Threat Response Exercise

The Jacksonville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation hosted a training exercise to simulate a complex terrorist attack in a public venue this morning, May 4, 2014. The exercise began at 5 a.m. and ended at 9 a.m. at The Avenues mall located at 10300 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32256.

      The Jacksonville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation hosted a training exercise to simulate a complex terrorist attack in a public venue this morning, May 4, 2014.  
 
SWAT operators clear the area during the training exercise.


The FBI and Department of Homeland Security partnered with representatives from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, other local law enforcement, 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.

In the darkened interior of The Avenues mall hours before daybreak, a FBI Jacksonville SWAT operator observes from a place of cover during a training exercise to simulate a terrorist attack inside a public facility. The Complex Mall Attack Initiative exercise helped FBI and other law enforcement officials practice what they know but also develop new plans of action for the unexpected.
A SWAT operator observes the scenario during the exercise.


“These types of exercises are important for us to practice what we know, to analyze our cooperative response with local law enforcement, and to adapt to unforeseen circumstances that arise,” said Michelle S. Klimt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “No one likes to think about this type of thing happening in our community, but it is our duty to make every effort to be prepared.”

Two role-playing “suspects” are led by an FBI special agent to a safe location outside the mall as the Complex Mall Attack Initiative exercise advances Sunday. FBI Jacksonville and representatives from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies participated in the event Sunday morning, May 4, 2014.
Two role-playing “suspects” are led away by a SWAT operator.

 
The exercise was scheduled early and outside of normal operating hours of the mall so as not to interfere with normal operations. All law enforcement activity at The Avenues mall this morning was part of the exercise.

A member of FBI Jacksonville’s Evidence Response Team documents mock evidence during the Complex Mall Attack Initiative training exercise held at The Avenues mall May 4, 2014. The exercise was designed to test multiple aspects of the FBI’s response to a terrorist attack in a public venue.
An Evidence Response Team member documents mock evidence.


The FBI has an Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents web page as a resource for law enforcement and the public to learn more about critical incidents involving mass casualties.

Participating agencies included the FBI Jacksonville Division, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville Police Department, the Jacksonville International Airport Police Department, and Simon Mall Security.

Resources:
- Jacksonville photo gallery with high-res images of exercise
- Related FBI.gov story: FBI and DHS Offer Partners Terrorist Incident Response Training