Today’s headlines once again remind us that violence can occur anywhere, at any time.
On March 12, 2026, authorities responded to two separate violent incidents in the United States within hours of each other. In West Bloomfield, Michigan, a suspect rammed a vehicle into a synagogue and opened fire before being confronted and killed by security personnel. A security guard was injured, but hundreds inside the building, including children in a preschool program, were safely evacuated.
At nearly the same time, a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, left one person dead and two others injured after a gunman opened fire inside a campus building. The attacker was eventually subdued and killed, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.
Two attacks. Two very different locations. The same sobering reality.
Violence does not wait for a convenient place or time.
Violence Can Happen Anywhere
Schools, universities, workplaces, houses of worship, retail stores, and public venues have all been targeted in recent years. The events in Michigan and Virginia reinforce a difficult truth: no environment is immune.
Places that once felt safe and routine can become chaotic within seconds. In both of today’s incidents, ordinary people found themselves suddenly facing a life-threatening situation.
The difference between confusion and decisive action often comes down to one critical factor:
Preparation.
Training Changes Outcomes
One of the most important details to come out of the Michigan incident is that the synagogue had previously participated in active shooter preparedness training. Staff members reportedly followed their training protocols to protect children and maintain order during the emergency.
That preparation likely played a role in preventing what could have been a far worse tragedy.
When individuals understand what to do in a crisis, they are more likely to:
• Recognize early warning signs
• React quickly instead of freezing
• Protect themselves and others
• Help law enforcement respond more effectively
Training does not eliminate danger. But it dramatically improves the odds of survival.
The First Minutes Matter Most
In most active shooter events, the entire incident unfolds in minutes. Law enforcement response times can be incredibly fast, but the people already on scene must make critical decisions before help arrives.
Those decisions often include:
- Where to move and where not to move
- When to evacuate and when to barricade
- How to communicate effectively
- How to assist others in crisis
- How to respond if confronted directly by a threat
Without training, people rely on instinct. Under stress, instinct can lead to panic or paralysis.
Training replaces panic with actionable strategies.
Preparedness Builds Confidence
Active shooter training is not about fear. It is about awareness, planning, and empowerment.
Organizations that invest in preparedness send a clear message:
Safety matters.
Employees, staff members, teachers, volunteers, and community members gain the knowledge they need to recognize threats and respond effectively.
Instead of wondering what to do, they already know.
A Responsibility We All Share
The tragic events in Michigan and Virginia remind us that preparedness cannot be an afterthought. Every organization, school, and community space should ask an important question:
If something happened here tomorrow, would our people know what to do?
Preparedness is not just a policy. It is a responsibility to the people who trust us with their safety.
Knowledge Saves Lives
The reality of modern threats means we must adapt how we think about safety. Awareness, planning, and training are essential tools in protecting our communities.
At A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training, our mission is simple:
to give individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to respond effectively in a life-threatening situation.
Because when seconds matter most, preparation can mean the difference between chaos and survival.
Contact us today and get prepared!
Image sources: Union Bulletin | The National Desk
About the Author
Michael D. Julian is President of MPS Security & Protection and a 30-plus-year veteran of the security and investigations industry. He served as President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) from 2005 to 2015 and has led executive protection, residential security, and corporate investigations engagements for Fortune 500 principals, high-net-worth families, and public figures across the United States. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.