Risks at large venues studied
As the anniversary of the deadly Las Vegas shooting has just passed, it is a good reminder that in these times, any place can be a target and large venues have tragically been hit hard in recent years.
Last year, a single gunman used an arsenal of semiautomatic rifles to kill 58 people and wound hundreds of others from his hotel room, overlooking a concert venue.
In 2017, 22 people were killed and 59 injured when a terrorist’s bomb exploded outside of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.
In 2015, as part of a larger attack, the Bataclan concert hall in Paris was attacked by three terrorists who shot and killed 90 people and injured scores of others.
These tragic events have spurred local public safety leaders and Gov. Charlie Baker to create a task force made up of statewide security experts charged with making sure large venues like concert halls and sports stadiums are safe and prepared for any risk.
“Public safety will always be our top priority and forming this task force will inform future decisions to enhance security while maintaining everyone’s ability to enjoy a game, concert or conference,” said Baker. “Tragic events in the United States and overseas have highlighted the need for our state, local and community partners to be focused on large venue security and we look forward to the work this commission will pursue.”
First on the docket for the task force is to submit a strategic plan to Baker that will identify safety risks and concerns for large venues and make recommendations for standards in planning, training, intelligence gathering and sharing, and interoperable communications. In addition the task force will evaluate best practices for publicprivate partnerships to facilitate security for large venues, and suggest changes to government regulations and procedures to implement those best practices.
This is a good initiative by Baker and takes into account the realities and particulars of our security concerns. Massachusetts hosts many concerts and largescale outdoor events, our sports teams do well, which results in packed stadiums and arenas. If our teams go all the way, that may result in a duck boat parade with a gathering at City Hall, Fenway Park or both. On Marathon Monday, nearly the entire city is one gigantic sports venue.
Our civil servants in Massachusetts have proven they are up to the task when it comes to handling daunting situations at the drop of a hat. Coordinated processes and procedures for large venues will serve to keep the people safer and that is the primary role of our government. Preparation is what Bill Belichick focuses on to keep the New England Patriots winning and it’s what the Gov. Baker’s task force will focus on to keep the fans safe.