While similar events are typically done in the summer, MSU DPPS Emergency Management Division Captain Dave Oslund said the department wanted to pick a time where there would be less of an impact on students. Additionally, he said they made it a point to send out more publications ahead of time informing the community that the event was taking place.

The exercise today involved first responders responding to a mock scenario in which a vehicle moved through several parts of campus, resulting in injuries at two major events.

Oslund said one of the more important aspects of the event was the staging, which involves accounting for how many fire rigs, police officers and medics are available so they can better respond to a scenario.

He said that these skills are transferable, so even if a mass casualty event is not under the same circumstances as the exercise, they are still prepared to appropriately respond.

MSU Police Chief Mike Yankowski said the department was looking to test and evaluate a number of points, including their emergency preparedness, unified command and security operations center. Over the next few weeks, the department will undergo an after action review that will tell them where they need to improve and where they do not.

Oslund added that the department will continue undergoing smaller-scale training monthly, with another larger active violence training scenario planned for August.

In terms of day to day prevention, Yankowski said that, “It's upon everyone to prepare themselves for being in a situation that you find yourself in.” He added that mentally walking through what to do in a violent situation helps prepare for the worst case scenario.