What’s happening at the Georgia Aquarium?
If you see a ton of police activity there during today’s evening commute, it’s nothing fishy: Atlanta law enforcement officers are conducting active shooter training at the popular attraction.
The aquarium closed to the public at 4 p.m., two hours early. Nearby Baker Street is closed to vehicles and pedestrians until 11 p.m.
“As we train in different locations, it helps us to be ready in a more diverse atmosphere,” Atlanta police Deputy Chief Kelley Collier said during a news conference right before training began.
Officials said a significant law enforcement presence will be visible in the area during the exercise. At 4 p.m., countless police cruisers, ambulances and fire engines were parked around the aquarium.
Credit: Caroline Silva
Credit: Caroline Silva
Atlanta police took over the aquarium for training in 2021 when they practiced responding to an active shooting scenario. During that session, aquarium employees with fake bloody wounds acted as victims, and law enforcement moved through the vast building with body gear and weapons, according to a video provided by police.
In late April, Atlanta opened a public safety training center on an 85-acre site in unincorporated DeKalb County to use for drills and other activities.
But Collier said the department will continue to train at popular venues in order to practice real-world scenarios in spaces most frequented by locals and visitors. And though the same training can be simulated at the training center, Collier said it’s important for officers to know the layout of the aquarium and work around the various tanks.
“If a round were to strike one of the tanks, it can be devastating for the aquatic life here at the aquarium, and so we want to ensure that we’re doing everything possible to save lives at the property,” Collier explained.
Numerous volunteers are taking part in the training, which benefits police officers, firefighters, Grady EMS and other public safety personnel. Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr. explained that volunteers will act as injured victims and fleeing bystanders.
The department has also conducted training exercises at other big tourist destinations, including at Zoo Atlanta in 2022 and Lenox Square in 2023.
Today’s training also comes in preparation for next summer’s FIFA World Cup. Hampton said the official FIFA Fan Festival will be held in Centennial Olympic Park in 2026, just steps away from the aquarium, and he expects the venue to see a rise in foot traffic from out-of-town visitors.
“We’ll have thousands of citizens here visiting our beautiful city, and so we want to practice in areas as conducive of where people will be,” Hampton said.
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