FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- August 30, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., USAG Fort Buchanan Garrison reported an active shooter incident as part of an exercise during Antiterrorism Month. The incident occurred at the Antilles High School (AHS), part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools in Puerto Rico. An Exercise-Exercise-Exercise Active Shooter Alert message was in place via the mass notification system, garrison social media Twitter and Facebook page, web site and mobile Digital Garrison App (DGA).
School personnel received instructions to lock-in to the nearest rooms, while the installation went into a lockdown, activating Force Protection Condition Delta. The highest and most protective level that limits access to the installation with closure, while members of Fort Buchanan’s Police worked with federal and local agencies to ensure the security and safety of the community.
Based on the scenario, two active shooters arrived at AHS staff parking area carrying assault weapons. They opened fire killing some students that were in front of the school premises. They continued walking in front of the school, looking inside through the glass windows and producing additional casualties of people who were next to the school gym.
School authorities alerted Fort Buchanan Police who arrived immediately at the site, engaged the two active shooters neutralizing one. The other ran to the back of the school taking some hostages that were hiding inside a warehouse after listening to the shots. The first active shooter was identified as a current 12th grade student. Simultaneously, FBI Operations Center received Fort Buchanan’s call and mobilized agents from San Juan Office to the area.
Keeping the public informed in real time via social media, web site and DGA, was key for the success of this scenario. DODEA parents, some who were on post at the time of the incident, worried about their children, received information from the schools’ authorities regarding the reunification area available after receiving the “All Clear” message from Fort Buchanan Police.
At the same time, FBI SWAT Team and hostage negotiator arrived on site, while Fort Buchanan Police secured an area to allow first responders and emergency personnel to treat the injured and report casualties. Release of information on injured or deceased had to wait until consent was given by injured and next of kin were officially notified.
At the warehouse area, the FBI hostage negotiator dealt with the second active shooter. One hostage was released. Negotiations continued with the shooter, a former AHS student, who had various requests such as an exit vehicle, among others. FBI SWAT Team assessed the situation taking appropriate actions that neutralized the active shooter thus completing the exercise. Fort Buchanan community received the “All Clear” message through social media and DGA to return to normal operations. The exercise concluded with a real press conference with the participation of local media that included Wapa-TV, Channel 4 and two main newspapers, El Nuevo Día and Primera Hora.
In the Army, we train as we fight. Prior to the actual Active Shooter Exercise, the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) Antiterrorism (AT) office conducted a Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill led by AT Specialist, Héctor R. Herrera Camerón, August 16, 2022. The ROC drill objective was to assess the readiness, procedures and protocols of garrison and partners in response to an active shooter emergency.
Among the various elements participating in this exercise were DPTMS personnel who served as observers such as the Chief of Plans and Operations José R. Boria, Chief Observer and Controller; Stephanie Acosta, Administrative Assistant in charge of moulage make-up, other staff members provided support at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). DODEA Mid – Atlantic Force Protection Officer, Jim Killilea and DODEA PR Community Superintendent, Vanessa Faerber’s outstanding collaboration made this exercise possible using AHS premises as the incident site.
FBI brought various resources to the exercise to include the SWAT TEAM, hostage negotiator and Public Affairs Office. The Puerto Rico National Guard contributed with Sgt. Alexis Vélez, Public Affairs Specialist for photographic coverage of the active shooter incident. The Reserve component in Puerto Rico, the 1st Mission Support Command, provided over 10 Soldiers under the command of the Provost Marshal Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), Sgt. 1st Class Julián Rodríguez who posed as high school students, victims, hostages and distraught parents.
“The exercise and its positive results are proof that Fort Buchanan does everything possible to provide the greatest possible security to all the people who are here,” said Lt. Col. Brian Mandock, acting garrison commander.
Fort Buchanan remains resolute in its efforts to train garrison employees and tenants to understand the risks faced, how to react and the resources available in case of an active shooter incident. It is through repeated practice that we develop the ability to react quickly and decisively to defeat this enemy, the active shooter. By integrating these exercises with a constant state of readiness, we ensure the safety and security of our community comprised of military and civilian personnel, retirees, Veterans and family members as part of Fort Buchanan’s overall protection plan reiterating that, "If you see something, say something.”
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