"Michael Julian has written an excellent book. Practical, detailed, and a potential life saver if you find yourself in the midst of a targeted attack."
Could the Midtown Manhattan Shooting Have Been Prevented? Why Active Shooter Training Matters Now More Than Ever
On the morning of July 28, 2025, chaos broke out inside a Manhattan skyscraper at 345 Park Avenue, home to major firms including Blackstone and the NFL. A lone gunman—armed with an AR-style rifle—opened fire inside the building, shooting at least three people, including an NYPD officer and two civilians, before taking his own life on the 33rd floor. The Manhattan active shooter event is a tragedy and further amplifies the need for preparedness.
Authorities responded within minutes, but not before lives were endangered, panic spread, and hundreds of workers were forced to shelter in place. The building was placed on lockdown for hours as SWAT teams and FBI agents swept floor by floor.
The Real Question: Were These Victims Trained to Survive?
While law enforcement acted swiftly, the truth remains: in the first minutes of an active shooter event, you are your own first line of defense. No police force in the world can be everywhere at once.
And in those first moments—before help arrives—how you respond determines whether you survive.
Where Proper Training Makes All the Difference
The sad reality is that these incidents are no longer rare. According to the FBI, active shooter incidents have increased every year for the past five years. Yet most people have no idea what to do when faced with sudden violence.
That’s why the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program was created. A.L.I.V.E.—which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, Expose—is a simple, practical method for surviving these terrifying situations. It’s designed for real people in real-world environments like office buildings, schools, churches, and retail spaces.
With proper A.L.I.V.E. training, victims at 345 Park Avenue could have:
- Recognized danger sooner
- Known when and how to evacuate
- Created physical barriers (impede) that slow attackers
- Avoided freezing under stress
- Protected others by taking fast, focused action
Training doesn’t guarantee survival. But it dramatically increases the odds—and gives people the tools they need to act instead of panic.
Why A.L.I.V.E. Is the Right Choice for Businesses and Communities
Unlike outdated “lockdown-only” protocols or vague workplace safety handbooks, A.L.I.V.E. offers actionable, scenario-based training that’s easy to remember—even under pressure.
Here’s what makes A.L.I.V.E. different:
- Proven methodology developed by experts in security and emergency response
- Customizable programs for businesses, schools, houses of worship, and public events
- Both online and in-person options, including instructor-led sessions nationwide
- Certification programs for organizations who want to train internal teams
Our instructors don’t just teach survival—they teach empowerment. The A.L.I.V.E. method replaces fear with clarity and gives people the confidence to act.
Don’t Wait for Tragedy to Strike Your Workplace
If the Midtown Manhattan shooting proved anything, it’s that no location is immune. The time to train is before an emergency, not after one hits the headlines.
Protect your team. Protect your future. Choose training that saves lives.
Learn more about the A.L.I.V.E. program to schedule a training or become a certified instructor.
When every second counts, A.L.I.V.E. helps people make the right decision.
Image source: New York Times
Hear From An A.L.I.V.E. Student Survivor Of The Las Vegas Massacre
"As a retired 32 year law enforcement veteran, with several years of SWAT and tactical experience, I learned some different unique perspectives as it pertains to civilians dealing with active threat situations. Very good class for civilians who may have never experienced reacting to a life and death stressful situation."
- Christopher C.
A.L.I.V.E. STANDS FOR:
Assess
Assess the situation quickly
Leave
Leave the area if you can
Impede
Impede the shooter
Violence
Violence may be necessary
Expose
Expose your position carefully for safety
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Corporations
Government
Healthcare
Places of worship
Schools & Universities
Venues
MICHAEL JULIAN
Creator of A.L.I.V.E.
A.L.I.V.E., which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, was created in 2014 when Michael began teaching his Active Shooter Survival philosophy throughout the United States. His book on the subject, 10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E. was published in 2017 and the online version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program was launched in 2019 and is now part of the corporate security training program for companies throughout the world.
Why A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter
Survival Training Program?
The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.