CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Boulder shooting sparks review of protocols – has police on higher alert

Mar 23, 2021, 6:21 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 12:55 pm

VFATF violent criminals...

(Photo: Kevin Mohatt, Reuters)

(Photo: Kevin Mohatt, Reuters)

SALT LAKE CITY — The deadly shooting in Boulder this week could create a ripple effect felt by law enforcement in nearby areas, including Utah.  And police officials say they’re hoping people remind themselves of the simple steps that can act as a defense in an active shooter situation.

The best thing to do in an active shooter scenario is to run, according to former FBI agent Karl Schmae.  Obvious, right?  Maybe, but Schmae says it takes some planning, which too few people are doing.

RELATED:  Find a Way Out! 3 Ways You Can Stay Safe During a Mass Shooting Situation Anywhere You Are

“That means you need to have situational awareness.  You have to know where those exits are,” he said.

Hiding is the next best thing to do after running away, Schmae said.  This means you have to find the best ways to barricade yourself into a secure area and silence your cell phone.  In the worst-case scenario, you may have to fight that shooter. That means you’d need to look for anything that could be used as a weapon. A heavy object, a pointed object, or anything that will take the shooter by surprise.

This is a necessary discussion albeit a difficult discussion to have Schmae said.

We need to talk to our family and we need to talk to our kids, even though it’s a scary situation.

“We’ve seen in Boulder, and we’ve seen elsewhere, that this can happen anywhere,” said Schmae.

The suspect, social media, and possible motives

After his release from a hospital, the Boulder suspect was jailed. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa has a single third-degree assault charge in his criminal history according to the Reuters news agency. Police are certain he acted alone.

Analysts say police will be combing over Alissa’s social media posts to see if there were any warning signs that should have indicated this kind of attack was going to happen.  However, Utah Valley University Criminal Justice Professor Dan Waddington said it’s extremely hard to accurately predict who would plan this kind of shooting.

RELATED:  Researchers studied 163 mass shootings. Here are the four things shooters have in common.

Social media may be one of the best tools people can use to spot a potential problem.  Waddington said if someone posts comments that are to the extreme of the political right or the political left, and if they post messages saying certain groups of people deserve to be hurt, you may need to call your local authorities.

“Any type of acquisition of weapons or explosive materials is obviously an indicator,” he said.

Waddington said many people want to lump every mass attack under the definition of terrorism, but that’s not always the case.  He said a terrorist act is prompted by an ideology and not every mass shooter has that type of motive. 

However, it’s likely officers all over the region are becoming extra vigilant at looking out for potential problems he said.

RELATED:  Police say West Valley City man planned mass shooting during SLC protest

“Any time you have a violent act like this, particularly when a law enforcement officer is injured or killed, other law enforcement agencies are much more sensitive to those potential acts,” he says.

Even if a mass shooter cites ideological reasons, it’s possible investigators would keep that information a secret.  Waddington says officers don’t want to inspire copycat attacks by people with similar beliefs.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

6 hours ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

6 hours ago

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

8 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

9 hours ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged with aggravated assault for confronting snowboarder

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Brighton resident Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

10 hours ago

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Boulder shooting sparks review of protocols – has police on higher alert