We had an active shooter event tonight in Australia, when at least 2 shooters opened fire on a Jewish festival at Australia's most famous beach. Currently 10 dead. Footage is coming through and this video shows someone doing exactly what we train and talked about on the recent Active Shooter zoom call. TAKE OUT the attacker, coming from outside their 10&2. Right now I don't have details of what happened next, but it's a reminder that what we teach is applicable. I'll post more over the coming days...

When something shocking or tragic happens in the news, our immediate reaction is often to look away. Many people feel uneasy discussing events that are still fresh, especially when they involve violence, accidents, or crises. It can feel too soon, too raw, or too personal. But talking about these incidents, even while they’re still in the headlines, is not only okay, it can actually be really helpful. One of the most important reasons to discuss recent incidents is emotional processing. When something dramatic or frightening occurs, it can trigger feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or confusion. Holding those feelings in can make them fester. Speaking about them, whether with friends, family, colleagues, or in a guided environment like a support group, allows people to unpack their emotions in a safe way. Verbalising what we see and feel helps our brains process the event more fully, reducing anxiety and stress. Fresh news can leave many people feeling isolated. We may think, “I’m the only one feeling scared,” or “I shouldn’t react this way.” Discussing incidents openly reminds us that our reactions are human and normal. It fosters a sense of connection and solidarity. Even brief conversations about shared concerns can create an environment where people feel seen and supported, which is essential in times of uncertainty. Talking about incidents can also serve a practical purpose: it can help others learn and prepare. For example, discussing a recent accident or security breach may highlight safety lessons or preventive measures. While the conversation should never sensationalise trauma, sharing factual and thoughtful insights helps communities respond more effectively and can even prevent future harm. Society often teaches us to avoid talking about hard things until they “pass,” but this can create stigma around natural emotional reactions. By having conversations about incidents, even those tragedies very recently in the news, we normalise discussing difficult topics and validate the emotions that come with them. Over time, this strengthens emotional resilience and encourages healthier coping mechanisms.