AVENTURA, Fla. – At least 59 people were killed and more than 500 were injured after 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire at a country music festival from his hotel room in Las Vegas.
In the wake of that attack, which is being called the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, some South Floridians are wondering what kind of security measures hotels can take to prevent such as attack.
Joe Gehr, the CEO of security consulting company Technon, said look there’s no definitive answer and that these types of attacks are difficult to prevent.
"I would hate to see us be reactive like we have been in the past," Gehr said. "I don’t think putting metal detectors is going to do any good in something like this."
Gehr served in the Israeli Army and worked security missions for Israel before coming to South Florida to run Technon.
He believes the best prevention tool is to be aware of your surroundings and if you see something, say something.
"Knowing how to identify suspicious people and suspicious behavior and listen,' Gehr said. "I don't know (or) care how careful this guy planned his attack. Before a human being (goes) and does something like this, he’s going to show some signs of stress and if you’re well educated, those things can help you prevent these types of things."
Gehr advises that, wherever you are, it’s always important to know where the exits are.