PAX West Responds To Security Concerns Following Devastating Madden Shooting
People are asking important safety questions and there’s good reason for it. Following the devastating and absolutely heartbreaking incident that took place in Jacksonville, Florida. During the Madden Championship Series event held there, a shooter selfishly took the lives of others and injured many more. The aftermath is has brought to light concerns of forthcoming video game events that will take place, including PAX West.
Security concerns rise as PAX West quickly approaches and rightfully so. Concerned netizens and attendees have questions for the organizers. Will there be increased security measures in place throughout the duration of the event? Metal detectors? Bag checks? There is cause for worry and the people behind the scenes have issued a response. The statement by ReedPOP is as follows:
First and foremost, our hearts go out to all of those impacted by the horrific, senseless act of violence in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday. The entire gaming community is affected by this tragedy.
The safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff is paramount to ReedPOP and Penny Arcade. As PAX has grown in popularity, we have responded with the addition of increased private security, law enforcement, and other personnel, each of whom are on-site at all times during our events.
As a rule, we do not publicly announce or discuss the details of our security program in order to maintain its effectiveness, however, we work closely with the Washington State Convention Center, private security, the Seattle Police Department and federal law enforcement authorities to identify risks, assess them and develop our comprehensive security protocols for PAX West. We have in place extensive proactive measures; some that are visible during PAX events and many that are not. We are always working to improve our security plans and, if need be, adjust them, to ensure that we are doing all that we can to make PAX West, and all PAX events, a safe and secure environment for the community.
Across the fifteen years of PAX events we have provided a safe and welcoming environment for more than a million attendees to come together for their love of gaming and we are ensuring that we adhere to that tradition at PAX West 2018.”
Although specific details were not shared as to how PAX West organizers intend to double up on security (for good reason), it sounds like the committee intends to take things seriously. It seems right for people to be concerned for their safety and others. We only hope that the right methods will be implemented for peace of mind.
Passing on an important question to you, do you think PAX West should take up implementing increased security measures for the safety of its attendees or should proceedings continue as normal? Do you feel safe after the incident that took place during the Madden event, or are there concerns? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or start a conversation on DFTG Facebook page. To stay up to date on gaming news as it happens, follow us on Twitter! Here’s some of our latest:
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Hoi is an elusive figure at DFTG, whose favorite past-times include chillin' in the Fade, reading manga, watching anime, collecting novelty items, and gaming.
