South Florida

South Florida Law Enforcement Call Las Vegas Mass Shooting ‘Worst Case Scenario' For Officers

Like shooting fish in a bowl - this is how security expert Ruben Mena describes the advantage that the alleged Las Vegas shooter had over festival goers before during the worst mass shooting in modern American history.

"Things like this are impossible to predict because you don’t know exactly where it's going to happen or where it's coming from,” Mena said.

Mena believes the massacre was the worst-case scenario for law enforcement. The assistant chief for the City of Miami Police Department agrees it had to have been challenging for first responders.

“The amount of buildings there, the way the sound bounces off those buildings…what an incredible challenge to try to seek out where this shooting was coming from,” said Assistant Chief Jorge Colina. “And it’s just horrific really to watch.”

Colina says officers actively train for these unfortunate tragedies. However, the community can also be a big help.

“We rely on the citizens to be vigilant and to let us know what they see,” Colina said. “There’s only so many police officers out on the street.”

What to do in an active shooter scenario varies on a case by case basis, but Mena says remaining alert and taking cover are two important tips.

"Cover yourself with consider anything that can stop or divert a round that's coming to hit you,” he told NBC 6’s Laura Rodriguez. “So you want to find a solid object."

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