Michigan has been ordered to pay a $13 million settlement after an active shooter drill at a psychiatric hospital for children caused trauma to patients and staff. The incident occurred on December 21, 2022, at the Hawthorn Center in Hawthorn, Michigan, leading to a chaotic scene as children and their caregivers sought cover, called 911, and informed loved ones.
During the drill, someone at the front desk announced through the speaker system that two armed men were inside the Hawthorn Center and shots had been fired, creating a sense of panic among those present. It was later revealed that the gunmen were participating in the drill and were not armed. However, neither the hospital staff nor the police were informed about the planned exercise, leading to a distressing situation.
Attorney Robin Wagner described the event as horrifying, with people hiding under desks and barricading doors in an attempt to protect the children. The settlement resulting from the incident includes compensation for the affected individuals, with fifty children set to receive around $60,000 each and 90 staff members to be compensated based on a trauma evaluation, receiving an average of over $50,000.
The decision to settle the matter was reached by the Michigan state Department of Health and Human Services, acknowledging the negative impact of the drill on patients, staff, and the community. The hospital’s safety director, who organized the drill, remains employed by the state. The settlement was approved by Court of Claims Judge James Redford, with a portion allocated to cover legal fees.
Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan state Department of Health and Human Services, expressed regret over the incident and stated that settling the matter was deemed to be in the best interest of all involved parties. The focus now is on moving forward from this unfortunate event and ensuring the well-being of those affected.
The aftermath of the active shooter drill at the Hawthorn Center serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper planning and communication in emergency preparedness exercises. This incident underscores the need for transparency and coordination to prevent unintended harm and trauma to vulnerable populations.