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 terror among kids and staff. The drill involved a false announcement that armed men were inside the hospital with shots fired, leading to a frenzy of hiding and calling 911. The settlement will provide roughly $60,000 to each of the 50 children and over $50,000 to 90 staff members, with smaller amounts to two dozen others. The state recognized the harm caused by the drill and settled the case. Police responding to 911 calls were unaware of the drill, leading to a dramatic response with officers showing up with body armor and high-powered weapons. The two people posing as shooters were not armed. The settlement was approved by a judge, with over $3 million going to attorneys. The state Department of Health and Human Services expressed regret over the incident and stated that settling was in the best interest of all involved parties. The drill was organized by the hospital’s safety director, who still works for the state. The hospital was later closed for reasons unrelated to the drill incident.
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