In the wake of another mass shooting, a feeling of security in crowds may be fleeting, and yet the world continues to go on.
Students still attend school, patrons continue to go to movie theaters, people keep going to clubs, and UCF is still having a world-famous DJ perform during Homecoming Week.
Martin Garrix will be performing at the CFE arena on Oct. 12, less than two weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. American history, which happened during a country music festival in Las Vegas, killing at least 58 people and injuring over 500.
“I do want more security at events like this now,” said a student who wished to be referred to only as Zach, a junior studying integrated business.
He explained that he does feel minor tension in crowds now, after the Pulse and Las Vegas tragedies, and wonders what could be next. Despite this, he said he will still be attending the homecoming concert.
Other students, such as Enisa Molabeciri, a sophomore studying health science, don’t have much concern as a result of the recent events.
“I honestly hadn’t thought about it at all,” said Molabeciri. “I don’t usually go to concerts, but I’m really excited about this one.”
The UCF Police Department has made sure to prepare for the worst case scenario, said Courtney Gilmartin, UCFPD spokeswoman. Anytime there are major events on campus, whether it be a concert or a football game, security measures are taken. This includes a robust police presence and officers armed with rifles, according to Gilmartin.
“It’s important for students to know that safety is UCF’s priority and that there is a well-equipped, well-trained police department on campus that serves the UCF community 24/7,” said Gilmartin. “Many of the measures we take are informed by some of the tragedies that we’ve seen across the globe.”
UCF Police officers can be anywhere in campus in just two minutes, according to a video produced by UCFPD. The video also goes on to inform students on what to do in the case of an active shooter. The future may be unpredictable, but UCF security has taken precautions to ensure the safety of every attendant at campus events.
