"Michael Julian has written an excellent book. Practical, detailed, and a potential life saver if you find yourself in the midst of a targeted attack."

Why the 2026 Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting Shows Active Threat Training Is Essential
A tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on February 16, 2026 during a high-school hockey game left multiple people dead and several others critically injured, shocking spectators, families, and the broader community. The suspected gunman also died in the incident, and at least three victims remain hospitalized in critical condition. The violence occurred in front of dozens of fans, including families and student-athletes.
This heartbreaking event â€" coming less than two months after another mass shooting in Rhode Island â€" underscores a sobering reality: even community sporting events can become scenes of sudden violence. And when they do, preparedness can mean the difference between life and death.
Mass Violence Can Be Unexpected
The Pawtucket shooting took place during a routine high school hockey game that was livestreamed, where players and fans were immersed in the normal rhythms of a community event. When the first shots rang out, many initial reactions were confusion and disbelief, as attendees mistook the gunfire for routine rink noise.
This kind of unexpected violence highlights a critical truth: threats do not announce themselves clearly before they unfold. In such moments, bystanders have only seconds to recognize danger and react.
Awareness Alone Does Not Save Lives
Standard safety plans â€" evacuation maps, posted instructions, or awareness briefings â€" are necessary components of organizational preparedness. But awareness alone does not equip people to act effectively in a rapidly escalating threat situation. Most traditional safety training assumes calm conditions and rational decision-making, conditions that rarely exist when violence erupts.
Under extreme stress, the brain defaults to instinct. Without practiced survival responses, many people freeze, hesitate, or delay action â€" even when they know danger has arrived. Awareness does not automatically translate into effective survival behavior.
Training Builds Action Under Stress
Effective active-threat training goes beyond knowing procedures. It conditions the brain and body to recognize threat patterns quickly, make rapid decisions, and move purposefully toward safety. It prepares individuals to:
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Quickly distinguish threat indicators from normal activity
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Overcome denial and hesitation
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Act decisively under stress
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Navigate unfamiliar environments quickly
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Move intelligently â€" not just react impulsively
Survival training does not assume violence will happen, but it prepares people as if it could, so when the unthinkable occurs, responses are structured, practiced, and instinctive.
Seconds Matter More Than Minutes
In high-stress violence, every second counts. First responders can save lives, but they rarely arrive before the event has begun. During the Pawtucket shooting, officers and emergency personnel responded rapidly, but civilians in the arena had only moments to seek cover, move away from danger, or make split-second decisions that affected their chances of survival.
Training shortens the gap between threat recognition and action. It empowers people to act before official help arrives.
Training Is Not Drama - It Is Preparation
Sometimes organizations hesitate to invest in active-threat preparedness because they fear it will create anxiety or seem excessive. But training done well reduces fear and increases confidence. It builds psychological readiness without traumatizing participants. Instead of preparing for the worst outcome, it prepares individuals to respond logically and confidently if violence occurs.
The Takeaway
The 2026 Pawtucket ice rink shooting is a painful reminder that violence can occur anywhere â€" even in spaces meant for community, family, and youth activities. Awareness and safety protocols are important, but they must be paired with active-threat preparedness that shapes behavior under stress.
Training is not about fear â€" it is about survival. It ensures that when violence happens, individuals are prepared to act quickly and decisively, increasing their chances of getting out alive and helping others do the same. Contact us today and know how to handle situations like these.
Image source: BigLead.com
Hear From An A.L.I.V.E. Student Survivor Of The Las Vegas Massacre
"As a retired 32 year law enforcement veteran, with several years of SWAT and tactical experience, I learned some different unique perspectives as it pertains to civilians dealing with active threat situations. Very good class for civilians who may have never experienced reacting to a life and death stressful situation."
- Christopher C.
A.L.I.V.E. STANDS FOR:
Assess
Assess the situation quickly
Leave
Leave the area if you can
Impede
Impede the shooter
Violence
Violence may be necessary
Expose
Expose your position carefully for safety
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MICHAEL JULIAN
Creator of A.L.I.V.E.
A.L.I.V.E., which stands for Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose, was created in 2014 when Michael began teaching his Active Shooter Survival philosophy throughout the United States. His book on the subject, 10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E. was published in 2017 and the online version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program was launched in 2019 and is now part of the corporate security training program for companies throughout the world.
Why A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter
Survival Training Program?
The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to survive an active shooter incident. Its emphasis on situational awareness and decision-making makes it a practical and effective approach to active shooter situations. By empowering individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others, the program can help prevent tragedies and save lives.



