A judge has approved a $13 million settlement in a lawsuit over an unannounced active shooter drill at a Michigan psychiatric hospital for children that caused panic and fear among patients and staff. The drill falsely claimed that armed men were inside the Hawthorn Center in Detroit, leading to a frenzy of hiding and calling 911. The settlement will result in each child receiving around $60,000, while staff members will receive varying amounts based on their trauma exam scores. The state recognized the harm caused by the drill and decided to settle the matter. Police, who were unaware of the drill, responded to 911 calls with body armor and weapons, only to find that the supposed shooters were not armed. The settlement was approved by a judge and over $3 million will go to attorneys involved in the case. The Department of Health and Human Services expressed regret for the incident and stated that the hospital was closed for reasons unrelated to the drill. The drill was organized by the hospital’s safety director, who still works for the state.
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