Alexandria Plans Mock Attack at Local Movie Theater

The City of Alexandria will conduct a critical incident training exercise Wednesday morning, according to a news release from police.

The exercise will take place Wednesday from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Regal Potomac Yard Stadium (Regal Cinemas), 3575 Jefferson Davis Highway.

The exercise will center on what police call “an active violence scenario” at the movie theater, and is one of many training activities undertaken by area public safety agencies to practice emergency response and regional coordination, according to police.

Wednesday’s exercise is being organized by the Alexandria Police Department, with the support of Regal Cinemas.

The following agencies will participate:

• Alexandria Fire Department (including Alexandria Office of Emergency Management)
• Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department
• Alexandria Department of Emergency Communications
• American Red Cross
• Arlington Office of Emergency Management
• City of Fairfax Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Inova Alexandria Hospital
• Metropolitan Police Department (District of Columbia)
• Prince William Office of Emergency Management
• U.S. Capitol Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service

The public may notice increased emergency personnel and vehicles around the theater. The exercise will not involve live fire, police said.