A $13 million settlement has been approved by a judge in a lawsuit over an unannounced active shooter drill at a Michigan psychiatric hospital for children. The incident occurred on December 21, 2022, when someone at the Hawthorn Center in suburban Detroit announced through a speaker system that two armed men were inside the facility and shots had been fired. This false message caused panic among the children and staff, who scrambled for cover, texted family members, and urgently called 911. People hid under desks and barricaded doors in an attempt to protect the children.
Attorney Robin Wagner, representing the victims, described the incident as horrifying and stated that everyone went into a state of panic, believing it to be the worst day of their lives. As a result of the settlement, each of the 50 children at the hospital will receive approximately $60,000, while 90 staff members will receive an average of more than $50,000 based on their trauma exam scores. Additionally, two dozen others will receive smaller amounts as compensation. Wagner noted that the state acknowledged that the drill was a bad decision and caused harm to many people.
Police were unaware of the drill and responded to 911 calls with body armor and high-powered weapons, expecting a serious threat. Two individuals instructed to pose as shooters were apprehended, but they were not armed. The settlement, approved by Court of Claims Judge James Redford on October 4, includes more than $3 million for attorneys involved in the case. The state Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement expressing regret for the negative impact of the incident on patients, staff, and the community, stating that the settlement was in the best interest of all parties involved.
In response to the settlement, spokesperson Lynn Sutfin reiterated the department’s regret over the incident and emphasized their commitment to addressing the harm caused to patients, staff, and the community as a result of the drill. The $13 million settlement serves as a recognition of the trauma and distress experienced by those affected by the false alarm at the Hawthorn Center. The incident highlighted the importance of proper planning and communication in conducting emergency drills to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in such facilities.
The settlement aims to provide compensation to the children and staff members who were traumatized by the active shooter drill and to address the emotional and psychological impact of the event. While the settlement cannot fully undo the harm caused by the false alarm, it represents a step towards accountability and restitution for those affected. The incident at the Hawthorn Center underscores the need for greater oversight and coordination in emergency preparedness drills to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to prioritize the safety and security of vulnerable populations in psychiatric facilities.
