Michigan Settles $13M Lawsuit Over Botched Active Shooter Drill at Child Psychiatric Hospital

The unannounced drill at Hawthorn Center in 2022 caused panic among children and staff, leading to severe trauma and a significant police response.

An unannounced active shooter drill at the Hawthorn Center in Michigan led to a $13 million settlement after causing panic and trauma.
The drill, conducted in December 2022, involved a false announcement of armed intruders, leading staff and children to believe they were in real danger.
Approximately 50 children will receive around $60,000 each, while 90 staff members will receive an average of over $50,000 based on trauma assessments.
The drill was organized without notifying local law enforcement, resulting in a heavily armed police response to the hospital.
The hospital, which has since closed for unrelated reasons, faced legal action from both affected staff and the individuals posing as shooters.