Homeland Security expert and Medaille College professor Steve McMartin said the tragic Orlando mass shooting could very well happen here in Buffalo.
“It kind of exemplifies the same type of things that the Brussels attack did. A terrorist is going to look for a soft target or someone looking to make a violent kind of attack. They are going to look for a place where there is a large gathering of people. Going to look for a place where they are confined,” McMartin said.
With Western New York festival and travel season taking off, McMartin said it’s best to avoid crowds in confined spaces whenever possible.
“Now if you’re going to Paris, you’re going to go to the Eiffel Tower you’re going to be involved with a crowd, but there are times of the day when it’s less crowded then others,” McMartin said.
But if you have to be in a confined space like a concert or airplane, McMartin said, “Note where the exits are. Check if you’re walking around the club or if you have a minute or it’s a concert venture when you there before it starts check to make sure these ventures aren’t locked from the inside with chains."
Although recent events have shaken the nation, McMartin said you shouldn’t live in fear.
“I’m not advocating we change our lives. But if everybody just step their levels of safety, concerns, precautions up just a little bit you know a tragedy like this might be avoided,” McMartin said.
