Local Campus Security Departments Talk Safety After Attack In Columbus

ROCHESTER (WWJ) -- In the wake of Monday's tragic attack on the Ohio State University campus, where a Somali-born student ran over and stabbed several people, campus security forces around the country are taking note.

Oakland University Police Chief Mark Gordon said that whenever news of an attack -- like the one in Columbus -- occurs, it offers a chance to think "what if?"

"How would we respond, how would we include our neighboring responding law enforcement and first responder agencies to make sure that we are prepared, that our community is prepared and that we can do everything that we can possibly do to intervene before an incident rises to this level," Gordon said.

Gordon said maintaining a focus on prevention and intervention most important. He urged those on campus to stay vigilant and let law enforcement know if something looks suspicious, but shared advise to those who may, one day, find themselves in the midst of such an attack.

"If you can get out of the area where the shooting has occurred and you can do it safely without jeopardizing your life, you need to get out," Gordon said. "Some describe it as 'run,' we describe it as 'get out of the area if you possibly can.' If you can't get out, then hide out, which is lockdown is your next option. And then the third option, if you come face to face you need to be able to fight the best that you can before you become a victim."

Campus security at OSU offered similar advise -- Run Hide Fight.

A member of the House Intelligence Committee said the attack in Columbus "bears all of the hallmarks of someone who may have been self-radicalized."

Police say the first-year Ohio State student drove a car into a group of pedestrians on campus and then got out and began stabbing people with a butcher knife before he was shot to death by an officer. Authorities are investigating whether it was a terrorist attack.

"It's a constant reminder that emergency preparedness for any type of violent, critical incident is an ongoing process," Gordon said.