Mass Shooting; Black Hospital Worker Almost Shot by Police in Mass-Shooting Drill

In a recent development, a Black hospital worker has filed a lawsuit against his employer. The worker claims that during a mass-shooting drill, which was believed to be a real attack by patients, staff, and authorities, he was almost shot by the police.

On December 21, 2022, Brandon Woodruff, a 32-year-old labourer, participated in an active-shooter drill at the Hawthorn Center psychiatric hospital in Northville Township, Michigan. Woodruff was asked to pose as a gunman during the drill.

Mr. Woodruff and a white male colleague agreed, despite their initial skepticism.

As the description of two shooters armed with AR-15s was announced over the tannoy, they proceeded to walk through the facility and verify if individuals were adhering to the active shooting protocol.

Unbeknownst to the staff, patients, and local police, the hospital administrators neglected to communicate that a drill would be taking place.

In a state of terror, he utilized his smartwatch to contact his pregnant wife, speaking to her with the realization that these could be his final moments on Earth.

According to Mr. Woodruff, multiple civil lawsuits have been filed against the Michigan state health department and four hospital officials, including the hospital director, director of training and data improvement, physical plant supervisor and safety coordinator, and the human resources manager and case manager. These lawsuits were filed by several other employees and two sets of parents of child patients.

According to Mr. Woodruff’s lawsuits, he alleges that the hospital’s supervisors were the only ones who were given prior notice about the drill and were instructed not to share this information with any other staff or patients.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Mr. Woodruff reported that a system alert was issued stating the presence of two active shooters. The suspects were described as a Black male and a white male, both wearing winter clothing and carrying AR-15s.

The individual reported that he and his colleague walked through the building separately before reuniting again, a process that took approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

According to the individual, there was a moment when he realized that certain individuals within the hospital were unaware that the situation was merely a drill.

According to eyewitness reports, a man observed a woman sprinting as if her life depended on it. He then proceeded to enter a nearby room where he discovered the occupants had resorted to using mattresses and chairs to barricade the doors in an attempt to protect themselves.

The user was caught off guard by a specific room while in one of the living areas. According to the local paper, he stated that the barricade was the reason for the situation.

The individual expressed a sense of unease, suggesting that the children present may be under the impression that the situation at hand is genuine. The individual stated that they intend to leave the area and refrain from interacting with others present.

The individuals in question are likely experiencing fear and confusion regarding the situation at hand. The individual reported having left the area and proceeded onward.

According to reports, a 911 caller pleaded with the dispatcher, saying “please, please, please, help me.”

According to a press release from the Northville Township Police Department, officers from various law enforcement agencies, including Northville Township, the City of Northville, City of Livonia, and Michigan State Police, all responded to the Hawthorn Center in response to reports of an active threat incident.

According to the lawsuit, approximately 50 officers arrived at the facility.

According to Mr. Woodruff, he was unaware of the presence of law enforcement officials until he stepped outside and heard them shouting for him to “get down”.

According to a witness, there were sounds of yelling and a command to “get down.” According to the Free Press, he stated, “I don’t know what the hell’s happening.”

According to reports, the police have arrived on the scene. The question posed is, “Why are they here?”

The individual promptly obeyed the officers’ instructions and assumed a prone position on the concrete while extending his hands outward. He stated that he was attempting to comprehend the situation at hand.

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Woodruff reported that he heard the safeties being removed from the police officers’ weapons while he was lying there and was frightened for his safety.

According to the individual, he and his colleague were subjected to a search and handcuffed for a minimum of 30 minutes. It was only after authorities verified that it was a “unannounced drill” that they were released.

According to Mr. Woodruff, he has been left with lasting trauma and experiences anxiety, fear, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as a result of the incident. He now finds it difficult to go to work at the psychiatric hospital every day.

Following the incident, he alleges that the counseling services offered to him were ineffective and that his subsequent request for mental health treatment was denied. According to his claim, he has been compelled to skip work owing to the trauma.

In addition to the ongoing lawsuits, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation into the incident.