News Summary
The Atlanta Police Department held an active shooter training exercise at the Georgia Aquarium, causing road closures and limiting access in the area. This training is part of APD’s preparation for major events, including the FIFA World Cup, ensuring law enforcement readiness in case of emergencies. The drill involved police, firefighters, and EMS, focusing on response tactics to ensure public safety and protect sensitive environments like the aquarium. Public information was disseminated about the drill to mitigate concerns over the increased police presence.
Atlanta – On Wednesday evening, the Atlanta Police Department (APD) conducted an active shooter training exercise at the Georgia Aquarium, prompting road closures in the area. The training session aimed to prepare law enforcement for major events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beginning at 4 p.m. and lasting until 11 p.m., road closures impacted Baker Street and surrounding areas, limiting access for both pedestrians and vehicles. The aquarium proactively closed its doors to the public two hours early to facilitate the drill. The event included the participation of numerous police officers, firefighters, and personnel from Grady EMS, who engaged in a mass casualty simulation, acting as both responders and role-playing victims.
To ensure the highest level of preparedness, law enforcement vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire engines were stationed around the aquarium throughout the training. APD officials underscored the significance of this exercise, noting that it is crucial to be ready for emergencies, especially in environments sensitive to risks, such as the aquarium where aquatic life could be endangered by gunfire.
The training at the Georgia Aquarium is part of a broader strategy by APD to conduct similar preparedness drills at prominent locations across Atlanta. Previous exercises have taken place at key facilities, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Zoo Atlanta, and Lenox Square. Each drill focuses on refining tactical procedures related to triage and apprehension during crises.
As the training unfolded, Deputy Chief Kelley Collier highlighted the necessity of these exercises, particularly in places frequented by large crowds. Additional emphasis was placed on the critical nature of preserving the aquarium’s ecosystem in the event of a shooting. This underscores the need for specialized responses in various settings, which are often defined by their unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
Before the exercise commenced, APD held a news conference to inform the community of the training’s purpose and the anticipated increase in law enforcement presence. The conference served to alleviate concerns about the heightened police activity in the area and reiterated the goal of ensuring public safety during high-visitation events.
The increased traffic disruptions were expected during peak evening hours, as the training coincided with normal urban activities. Residents and visitors in the vicinity were advised to consider alternative routes to avoid delays. By concluding the training with a debrief session aimed at assessing performance and identifying areas for improvement, the APD demonstrates its commitment to learning and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The opening of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center signifies an ongoing commitment to public safety; however, APD will continue to conduct drills in widely-visited locations, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to address potential emergencies in real-world scenarios. The decision to train in such environments reinforces the importance of being ready for crises that could disrupt the peace and security of the community.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Atlanta Police training Georgia Aquarium
- AJC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
- The Georgia Sun
- Google News: Atlanta Police training
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
