FBI New Haven
Charles Grady
(203) 503-5207
May 5, 2014

FBI and Local Law Enforcement Host Comprehensive Incident Threat Response Exercise

The New Haven Division of the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, and the Trumbull Police Department hosted a training exercise to simulate a complex attack in a public venue. The exercise began on Sunday, May 4, 2014, after business hours at the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall in Trumbull, Connecticut, and was successfully completed overnight.

Nationally, the FBI, in partnership with state and local law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, and various private sector partners, is conducting exercises as part of the final phase of the Complex Mall Attack initiative that 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 event of a crisis, we will be prepared,” stated FBI New Haven Division Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “The ability to respond with our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, first responders, and private sector partners to a realistic multifaceted scenario is absolutely critical to our mission. Training with our partners and then assessing our strategies and actions to improve upon our overall response is the very definition of preparedness. We are sincerely grateful for the effort and planning from all of the participating agencies and look forward to future training collaborations.”

“We are extremely fortunate for the opportunity to participate in this threat response exercise,” stated Trumbull Police Department Chief Thomas Kiely. “We have always enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the FBI and the Connecticut State Police, and this training builds upon that foundation. In this day and age, public safety is absolutely paramount, so having our department in on the latest training is beneficial to town residents.”

“The Connecticut State Police prides itself on preparedness because so often we are among the first responders to a crisis,” stated Major Brian Meraviglia of the Connecticut State Police. “It is vitally important for us to continue to train with our local and federal partners, and this tactical training exercise afforded us that opportunity. I wish to thank everyone involved in the extensive planning that went into putting on this most worthwhile endeavor.”

Every effort was made to schedule this exercise so as not to interfere in any way with normal mall operations. Last night’s exercise at the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall had no effect on the normal business hours of the mall’s many tenants and will have minimal, if any, effect on pre-opening activities.

“We want to thank the New Haven FBI, the Trumbull Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and fire and emergency services, as well as local officials, for their ongoing efforts to create lasting partnerships and for their dedication to public safety,” said Christopher Powers, Assistant General Manager at the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall.

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

The FBI New Haven Division, Trumbull Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department, Trumbull Fire Department, Trumbull Emergency Medical Services, and the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall participated in the exercise.