A World on Edge: The Rising Tide of Global Security Threats
The world in which we live, work, and recreate has gotten more and more ridiculous, with no evident sign of subsiding. We see this madness unfolding every day on our local, national, and international newscasts. I am not a doomsayer by any sense or meaning, but I am a concerned long-time protector of our industry in every sense of the word. Ensuring the safety of guests in our theme parks around the world has always been a top priority of all of us who serve this amazing industry. Now I am not telling anyone how to run their business, but I am reminding all of us that that we have been lucky not to have had any types of major security incidents in our industry, considering what is going on around the world, at all types of public events.
I write this article as a reminder, or a call to attention, as preparation for the 2025 operating season is well underway.
I want to recap a variety of noteworthy security incidents that have occurred since January 1, 2024 - just in the last 13 months. I must stress that this is not inclusive of all the incidents that have occurred. These are just a representation. We do have a tendency to forget.
Source: Associated Press
Recent Security Incidents (January 1, 2024 – February 2, 2025)
1. Zhuhai, China
(January 2024):
Incident: A 62-year-old man rammed his car into a sports center.
Casualties/Injuries: Multiple injuries reported.
2. Top Golf - Naperville, Illinois
(August 2024)
Incident: Firearm reported on arrested patron.
This was the 22nd person arrested there in the last year!
3. High School Shooting, Georgia, USA
(September 2024):
Incident: A 14-year-old student opened fire at a school.
Casualties/Injuries: 2 teachers, 2 students killed; many injured.
4. Magic Kingdom Lockdown
Orlando, Florida (September 2024):
Incident: A loud popping sound, mistaken for gunfire, led to panic and a temporary lockdown of Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Casualties/Injuries: No injuries reported.
Source: The US Sun
5. Disneyland Trespassing Incident
Anaheim, California (September 2024):
Incident: A mother attempting to sneak her children into the park without paying was arrested for trespassing.
Casualties/Injuries: No injuries reported, but a ruckus ensued.
Source: New York Post
6. Tel Aviv, Israel
(October 2024):
Incident: A man drove a truck into pedestrians at a bus stop; assailant shot by an armed civilian.
Casualties/Injuries: 1 fatality, 40 injured.
7. Quetta, Pakistan
(November 2024):
Incident: A suicide bombing at a public railway station.
Casualties/Injuries: 31 fatalities, over 60 injured.
8. Magdeburg, Germany
(December 2024):
Incident: A car rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market.
Casualties/Injuries: 6 fatalities, 299 injured.
9. Bourbon Street Attack, New Orleans (January 1, 2025):
Incident: A driver bypassed a law enforcement blockade and drove a rented truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street during New Year's Eve celebrations.
Casualties/Injuries: 14 fatalities and over 30 injuries.
Source: HSDL
Source: Voice of America
10. Dreamworld Altercation
Gold Coast, Australia (January 2025):
Incident: A traffic collision near Dreamworld escalated into a violent altercation in the park's parking lot.
Casualties/Injuries: Multiple individuals injured, including a 17-year-old struck with a hammer.
Source: Courier Mail
11. Las Vegas Bombing
(January 1, 2025):
Incident: A bombing attack rocked a major tourist area in Las Vegas.
Casualties/Injuries: Casualties reported.
12. Education Center Attack
Orebro, Sweden (February 2025):
Incident: Mass shooting at an adult education center.
Casualties/Injuries: 10 people killed; gunman took his own life.
13. Main Event
Highlands Ranch, Colorado (February 2025)
Incident: Active shooter who was killed by sheriff on the scene
14. Munich, Germany
(February 2025):
Incident: A man drove a car into a crowd at a trade union rally.
Casualties/Injuries: At least 30 people injured, many seriously.
Source: The Guardian
These horrific events are happening on a weekly basis, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security measures and continuing the enhancement of our existing security personnel training programs.
I wrote about this topic just last month after the two New Year’s Day events here in the USA. However, considering how these dreadful incidents are continuing to occur on a rapid basis, I felt this important topic worth revisiting. To reiterate, here are just a few very important and basic actions we must take now.
Source: Evolv
Comprehensive Security Screening:
Measures: Implement advanced security screening technologies, including metal detectors, bag checks, and uniformed security personnel at all entry points; utilize animals, drones, and explicit signage.
Example: Walt Disney World employs uniformed police officers, specially trained hazard detection canines, and security screening technology to ensure guest safety.
Employee Training and Vigilance:
Measures: Conduct regular training sessions for staff to recognize and report suspicious activities, ensuring a proactive security culture.
Example: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) provides resources and training programs to help parks enhance their security measures.
Perimeter Security and Access Control:
Measures: Strengthen perimeter defenses with physical barriers, surveillance cameras, and controlled access points to prevent unauthorized entry.
Guidance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers guidelines on site and urban design for security, emphasizing the importance of robust perimeter controls.
Emergency Response Planning:
Measures: Develop and regularly update emergency response plans, including clear evacuation procedures and communication strategies for various threat scenarios, power outages, and evacuations.
Guidance: FEMA's reference manual provides insights into mitigating potential terrorist attacks against public venues, highlighting the need for comprehensive emergency planning.
Public Awareness and Engagement:
Measures: Educate guests on social media prior to arrival about security protocols. Encourage them to be aware and report unusual activities, fostering and building a collaborative approach to safety. After all, they are there with their families.
No operation wants to be placed in a situation of asking themselves after the fact, “If we had only????”
By staying ahead of a potentially predictable situational curve through the continued upgrading of security programs, our parks can continue to deliver a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, while maintaining our industry’s exemplary safety records in the face of evolving global threats. In an unpredictable world, preparation is not optional; it is essential.
Contact ITPS
International Theme Park Services, Inc.
2200 Victory Parkway, Suite 500A
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
United States of America
Phone: 513-381-6131
http://www.interthemepark.com
itps@interthemepark.com